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STATISTICAL   ACCOUNT 


CONNECTICUT. 


BY  DAVID  D.  FIELD, 


PUBLISHED    BY    T«K    CONNECTICUT    ACADEMY    OF   ARTS    AMD    SCIKNCKs 


,  Conn. 

PRINTED  BY  CLARK  &  LYMAN 
April,  1819. 


THE  author  deems  it  his  duty  and  privilege,  to  return  his 
thanks  to  all  those  gentlemen,  who  have  assisted  him  in  col' 
tecting  facts  for  the  ensuing  work, 

In  arranging   these,   a  general  regard  has  been  paid  to   the 
questions,  proposed  in  the  Circular  of  the  Connecticut  Academy? 


STATISTICAL   ACCOUNT 


MIDDLESEX  COUNTY. 


Introductory  and  General  Observations. 


MIDDLESEX  was  made  a  county  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature. 
t)f  Connecticut,  passed  at  their  session  in  May  1 785,  and  then  con- 
sisted of  six  towns,  viz.  Middletown,  Chatham,  Haddam,  and 
East-Haddam,  which  were  taken  from  the  county  of  Hartford  ; 
and  Saybrook  and  Killingworth,  taken  from  the  county  of  New- 
London.  Durham  was  annexed  to  Middlesex  in  May,  1799, 
from  the  county  of  New-Haven  ;  and  the  county  now  con.sists  of 
seven  towns,  which  include  eighteen  located  congregational  so- 
cieties, together  with  several  societies  of  other  denominations, 
and  one  hundred  and  twelve  school-districts.  It  was  invested  at 
its  formation,  with  the  same  privileges  enjoyed  by  the  other 
counties  of  the  State,  and  Middletown,  being  the  principal  town 
in  the  county,  was  selected  as  a  half-shire  ;  while  Haddam.  being 
the  central  town,  was  selected  as  the  other  half-shire  :  in  which 
places,  court-houses  and  gaols  were  subsequently  erected.  See 
note  A. 

This  county,  like  the  other  counties  of  Connecticut  is  of  very 
irregular  form.  It  lies  between  41  degrees  and  15  minutes,  and 
41  degrees  and  39  minutes  of  north  latitude,  and  between  -72 
degrees  and  20  minutes,  and  72  degrees  and  47  minutes  of  west 
longitude.  Its  greatest  length  is  27  miles,  and  its  greatest 
breadth  22  1-2.  Its  average  length  is  about  25  miles,  its  ave- 
rage breadth  about  1 5  ;  and  its  area,  exclusive  of  Connecticut 
river,  is  about  237,370  acres.  It  is  bounded  by  New-Haven 
county  on  the  west,  by  Hartford  counly  on  the  north,  by  Hart- 

1 


4  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 

ford  and  New-London  counties  on  the  east,  by  New-London 
county  and  the  Sound  on  the  south. 

Within  the  limits  of  this  county,  English  settlements  com- 
menced, in  Saybrook  in  1635,  in  Middletown  in  1650,  and  in 
Haddam  in  1662;  from  which  the  settlements  afterwards  pro- 
ceeded in  the  towns  opposite,  on  the  east  side  of  Connecticut 
river.  The  settlement  commenced  in  Killingworth  in  1663,  and 
in  Durham  in  1698.  The  first  settlers  were  almost  exclusively 
of  English  extraction,  and  with  their  descendants  individuals 
from  other  nations  have  rarely  intermixed.  They  came,  in  a 
few  instances,  immediately  from  England,  but  more  generally 
from  older  settlements  in  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts. 

The  number  of  inhabitants  in  the  whole  colony  of  Connecticut 
in  1713,  according  to  Dr.  Trumbull,  was  17,000.  Of  these,  there 
may  have  been  3,000  in  the  towns  now  belonging  to  Middlesex. 
In  the  same  towns  there  were,  in  1756,  13,071  souls,  in  1774. 
17,572,  and  in  1810,  20,723.  See  note  B. 

The  several  townships  in  Middlesex  were  purchased  of  the 
Indians,  and  in  no  case  obtained  by  conquest.  In  selling  their 
lands,  they  usually  reserved  certain  portions  for  themselves,  with 
the  right  of  hunting  and  fishing  where  they  pleased ;  on  which 
they  remained  many  years,  and  in  several  instances  till  within 
the  memory  of  persons  now  living,  raising  upon  them  their  corn, 
and  obtaining  other  articles  of  food  as  they  had  previously  done. 
No  part  of  Connecticut  was  better  adapted  to  their  mode  of  life, 
Connecticut  river  and  the  Sound,  with  their  tributary  streams, 
furnishing  them  with  an  abundance  offish,  and  the  forests  back, 
with  game.  They  were,  therefore,  very  numerous  in  all  parts  of 
the  county,  excepting  Durham,  (which  was  used  as  an  occasion- 
al retreat  for  hunting ;)  much  more  numerous  than  the  English, 
long  after  the  English  settlements  commenced,  and  might  in 
numberless  instances  have  destroyed  them,  had  they  not  been 
restrained  by  the  merciful  providence  of  God.  The  English 
realized  their  critical  situation,  and  while  they  looked  to  God  as 
their  only  all-sufficient  protector,  took  various  measures  to  se- 
cure themselves  in  case  of  a  sudden  attack.  But  no  evidence 
is  transmitted  to  us  of  their  having  sustained  any  serious  injury 
from  them,  except  about  the  time  of  the  Pequot  war,  an  account 
of  which  will  be  given  in  treating  of  Saybrook,  as  there  will  be 
in  treating  of  the  several  towns,  of  the  names  which  they  gave  to 
places,  rivers,  &c. 

The  general  customs  of  the  Indians  are  too  well  known  to  need 
a  recital  in  this  work. 

To  remove  a  cold  and  many  other  complaints,  the  diseased 
used  to  stand  over  a  hot  stone  rolled  into  a  hole  dug  in  the  earth, 
until  they  were  brought  into  a  profuse  sweat,  and  then  plunged 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  5 

into  water.  A  lot  at  Indian-Hill,  in  Chatham,  is  still  called  hot- 
house lot.  because  it  had  one  of  these  holes  in  it.  There  was 
one  of  these  at  Paltaquounk,  now  Chester,  And  a  swamp  oppo- 
site Saybrook-Point,  in  Lyme,  is  called  hot-house  swamp,  from 
the  same  circumstance.  This  was  a  more  rational  remedy  than 
pawwawing,  for  which  the  Mackemoodus  or  East-Haddam  In- 
dians were  particularly  famed,  whose  favourite  spot  for  this  ex- 
ercise was,  on  what  is  still  called,  Wigwam  brook. 

The  Indians  acknowledged  one  great  Spirit  as  ruling  over  all, 
but  are  said  to  have  worshipped  many  gods.  They  offered  sa- 
crifices, and  it  is  supposed  sometimes  human  sacrifices,  though 
of  this  there  is  no  certain  evidence.  A  large  flat  rock,  a  mile 
north  of  Saybrook  street,  eaet  of  Middlesex  turnpike,  bears  the 
name  of  Obed's  altar  to  this  day,  because  an  Indian  of  that 
name  was  seen  offering  upon  it  a  deer  to  his  god. 

The  places  where  the  Indians  buried  their  dead,  have,  in  some 
cases,  been  uniformly  known  to  the  English,  in  others,  have  been 
discovered  from  time  to  time,  and  in  others  still,  we  no  doubt 
pass  over  them,  and  are  not  aware  of  them. 

Their  manner  of  interment  shows  the  imperfect  and  grovelling 
ideas,  which  they  entertained  of  a  future  state.  They  placed 
the  bodies  frequently  in  a  sitting  posture,  and  for  their  accommo- 
dation on  their  way  to  eternity,  or  their  convenience  after  their 
arrival,  buried  with  them,'  food,  utensils,  arms,  ornaments,  and 
wampum.  They  have  been  found  thus  buried  at  Middletown 
Upper-Houses,  at  Chatham,  and  at  Pautapoug.  Three  graves, 
one  of  a  man  and  two  of  children,  found  at  Indian-hill  in  Chat- 
ham in  the  spring  of  1808,  may  be  mentioned  as  specimens. 
The  man  was  placed  sitting,  wrapped  in  a  blanket,  (which  was 
not  entirely  consumed,  but  on  exposure  to  the  air,  became  as 
burnt  straw  ;)  in  his  lap  were  two  small  brass  kettles,  probably  fill- 
ed with  soup  or  suckotash  at  the  time  of  burial,  one  of  which  had 
sunk  down  into  the  other;  in  which  were  a  spoon,  knife,  phial, 
and  pipe.  His  arm  was  extended  round  the  kettles,  and  what  is 
particularly  remarkable,  where  the  flesh  came  in  contact  with 
the  brass,  from  the  elbow  to  the  wrist,  the  flesh  was  preserved. 
In  the  hand  of  one  of  the  children  was  found  a  brass  cup  of  the 
size  of  a  tea-cup,  with  the  fingers  extended  from  the  base  to  the 
brim,  and  here  again  the  hand  was  preserved,  where  it  came 
against  the  brass,  and  as  the  opposite  side  of  the  cup  was  wasted 
away,  it  would  seem  that  the  brass  and  the  flesh  mutually  pre- 
served each  other.  Around  the  wrist  was  wampum  strung  on 
deer-skin,  and  near  by  were  beads  formed  apparently  from  the 
hearts  of  oyster-shells,  supposed  to  have  been  placed  about  the 
neck.  In  the  grave  of  the  other  child,  was  a  copper  box,  con- 
taining wampum,  strung  on  deer's  leather. 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

The  Indians  in  Middletown  had  a  fort  near  the  Straits,  erect- 
ed as  a  security  against  the  Farmington  Indians  ;  from  which 
circumstance,  the  spot  is  now  known  by  the  name  of  Fort-Hill. 
Near  the  Indian  settlement  in  Chester,  is  a  place  also  called 
Fort-Hill,  probably  because  the  Indians  had  some  kind  of  forti- 
fication upon  it. 

Whether  the  Indians  in  Middlesex  were  connected  with  tribes 
in  other  parts  of  the  country  is  uncertain.  The  presumption  is, 
that  the  Mattabesett  or  Middletown  Indians,  with  the  clans  in 
Chatham,  Glastenbury,  Weathersfield,  and  for  some  distance 
westward,  were  a  tribe  by  themselves.  The  Indians  in  the 
southern  parts  of  the  county  not  improbably  belonged  to  the 
Nehanticks,  whose  principal  settlement  was  in  the  eastern  part 
of  Lyme.  These  were  in  subjection  to  the  Pequots  some  years 
liefore  the  Pequot  war.  But  whatever  was  their  origin  or  con- 
nection, the  last  remnant  of  the  Indians  left  the  county  half  a 
century  ago,  and  no  certain  information  is  possessed  of  their 
present  situation  and  character,  nor  even  of  their  existence. 

Taken  as  a  whole,  Middlesex  must  be  regarded  as  a  rough 
uneven  tract  of  country.  Some  lands  on  the  margin  of  the  Sound 
and  of  Connecticut  river,  varying  in  width  from  half  a  mile  to  one 
and  two  miles,  are  comparatively  level  and  feasible.  The  same 
is  true  of  lands  in  some  parts  of  Durham  and  Middletown,  and  in 
the  northwestern  section  of  Chatham,  and  of  very  small  tracts  in 
other  parts  of  the  county. 

The  county  is  passed  obliquely  from  the  west-southwest,  to 
the  north-northeast,  by  a  wide  range  of  hills,  which  may  be  pro- 
perly denominated  the  Strait-Hills,  as  they  appear  on  both  sides 
of  the  Connecticut  at  the  Straits,  whence  they  pass  on  far  into  the 
interior  of  New-England.  South  of  these  Straits,  the  land  rises  into 
hills,  at  small  but  unequal  distances  to  the  right  and  left  of  the 
river,  to  within  four  or  five  miles  of  its  mouth  ;  some  of  which 
are  steep  and  rough,  but  they  are  generally  capable  of  cultiva- 
tion. On  the  western  border  of  Durham  and  Middletown,  are 
Wallingford  Mountains,  sleep  on  the  west  side,  but  capable  of 
being  ascended  on  the  east,  and  in  some  instances,  they  are  cul- 
tivated to  their  summits.  Some  of  these  are  called  by  distinct 
names,  as  Higby  Mountain,  from  a  man  of  that  name  who  settled 
near  it,  and  Lamentation  Mountain,  so  called,  according  to  tradi- 
tion, because  one  of  the  ancient  Cheslcrs  from  Weathersfield 
was  lost  upon  it  on  a  journey  to  New-Haven,  and  was  sought  for 
with  much  anxiety  for  several  days.  The  spaces  between  dis- 
tinct mountains  are  crossed  in  several  instances  in  Middletown, 
riM'l  in  three  in  Durham. 

The  base  and  loose  stones  of  the  Strait-Hills  are  granite,  and 
^  is  the  prevalent  kind  of  stone  found  southward  through  the 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  7 

county.  North  of  the  Straits,  free  stone  abound,  while  the  base 
and  loose  stones  of  Wallingford  Mountains,  are  the  trap  rock. 

The  best  soil  m  the  county  is  unquestionably  that,  which  is 
made  by  the  annual  overflowings  of  Connecticut  river.  The 
soil  next  to  this  in  excellence,  is  composed  of  loam,  gravel,  and  a 
small  intermixture  of  clay,  and  is  found  in  the  center  of  Durham, 
and  Midclletown,  and  in  Chatham  street.  In  the  south  part  oi 
Killingworth  and  Saybrook,  and  so  on  the  west  side  of  Connec- 
ticut river,  immediately  back  from  the  alluvial  lands,  is  a  soil 
composed  of  loam,  sand,  and  some  gravel,  which  is  rendered 
very  productive  by  manure,  particularly  on  the  Sound.  A  soil 
kindred  to  this,  is  found  on  the  plain  in  Middletown  Upper- 
Houses.  The  rest  of  the  county  generally,  is  a  hard  gravelly  soil. 

The  ranges  of  hills  and  mountains  already  mentioned,  with 
many  hills  of  less  note,  give  rise  to  a  multitude  of  springs  and 
brooks,  and  to  some  streams  highly  valuable  for  mill-seats  ;  the 
mouths  of  most  of  which  are  navigable  short  distances  for  boats. 
These  will  be  described  in  treating  of  the  several  towns  in  the 
county. 

But  the  glory  of  Middlesex  and  of  the  State  is  the  Connecticut. 
This,  signifying  in  Indian,  the  long  river  according  to  some,  or 
the  river  of  Pines  according  (o  others,  gives  name  to  the  State, 
and  imparts  to  it  much  of  its  beauty  and  of  its  wealth. 

This  rises  in  those  high  lands  in  Canada,  separating  the  wa- 
lers  which  run  north  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  those  which  run 
south  into  New-England.  It  is  ten  rods  wide  upon  its  entrance 
into  the  United  States.  Forming  a  boundary  for  about  two  hun- 
dred miles  between  Vermont  and  New-Hampshire,  and  receiving 
many  streams  from  the  Green- Mountains  and  the  White-Hills ; 
it  passes  centrally  through  the  counties  of  Franklin,  Hampshire, 
and  Hampden  in  Massachusetts,  and  Hartford  county  in  Connec- 
ticut ;  augmented  by  Deerfield,  Agawara,  and  Farmington  rivers 
from  the  west,  and  Millers,  Chickabee,  and  Scantic  rivers  from 
the  east:  striking  Middlesex,  it  divides  it  unequally,  throwing 
the  smaller  division  to  the  east,  and  empties  ilself  into  Long- 
Island  Sound. 

Its  general  course  is  south ;  from  Middletown  city  its  course 
is  southeast. 

Its  width  at  Upper-Houses  ferry  is  80  rods,  against  the  mouth 
of  Little  river  97,  against  the  city  of  Middletown  97  and  80,  at 
the  Straits  35,  at  Bush-Point  37,  at  Knowles's  Landing  88,  at 
Higganum  61,  at  the  point  of  Haddam  island  116,  at  East-Had- 
dam  Landing  about  120,  Chapman's  ferry  50,  Warner's  ferry  80, 
Brockways  96,  and  at  Saybrook  ferry  127.  In  some  places  it 
spreads  to  a  greater  extent  than  any  here  mentioned. 

The  depth  of  the  channel  at  full  sea  varies  through  Middlesex 


y  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

from  10  1-2  to  30  feet;  its  average  depth  is  15  feet.     The  01 
dinary  tides  at  Say  brook-Point  are  31-2  feet,  at  Middletown  city 
2  feet,  and  proportionally  at  the  intermediate  places. 

A  mile  and  a  half  from  the  mouth  of  the  Connecticut  is  a  saud 
bar,  apparently  formed  by  the  conflux  of  the  river  and  tide,  on 
which  there  are,  in  common  tides,  10  and  11  feet  of  water,  about 
a  foot  more  at  the  full  and  change  of  the  moon.  This  is  some- 
obstruction  to  navigation,  though  vessels  as  large  and  heavy- 
laden  can  cross  the  bar  as  can  go  to  Middletown.  The  river 
originally  crossed  this  bar  in  three  channels ;  but  the  eastern- 
most, the  only  one  used  sixty  years  ago,  is  filled  up  and  become 
a  flat,  bare  at  low  water.  The  middle  and  western  channels- 
have  deepened  perhaps  a  foot  in  thirty  years,  and  if  we  credit 
the  testimony  of  Winthrop  that  there  were  only  six  or  seven  feet 
of  water  on  the  bar  in  1633,  the  channels  are  much  improved 
since  the  discovery  of  the  country. 

To  aid  vessels  in  passing  this  bar,  as  well  as  in  traversing  the. 
the  Sound,  a  light-house  was  erected  on  Lynde's  Point  in  1804, 
the  deck  of  which  is  elevated  80  feet  from  the  ground.  Four 
years  previous  to  this,  a  company  was  formed  to  clear  the  river 
of  obstructions.  By  means  of  a  pier  at  the  Upper-Houses,  they 
have  thrown  the  channel  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  deep- 
ened it  from  six  to  eleven  feet.  A  mile  or  two  below,  where  the 
river  is  divided  by  a  small  island,  and  where  there  were  bar.1^ 
with  only  seven  feet  of  water,  called  Chatham  bar  and  Middle- 
town  bar;  they  have  made  attempts  to  improve  the  channel, 
but  v/ith  less  success. 

The  river  generally  affords  a  tolerable  harbour  for  vessels,  and 
excellent  harbours  in  its  bends  at  Middletown  city,  Knowles's 
Landing,  Higganum  Landing,  &c.  At  these  places,  and  indeed 
at  wharves  small  distances  from  one  another  through  the  whole 
extent  of  the  county,  vessels  load  and  unload ;  where  the  in- 
habitants of  the  surrounding  regions  export  lumber,  wood,  stone, 
fish,  and  whatever  articles  they  have  to  spare,  and  receive  in  re- 
turn importations  from  abroad. 

la  1789,  there  belonged  to  the  river,  and  probably  two-fifths 
of  these  to  Middlesex,  3  brigs  of  180  tons  each,  about  60  sail 
from  60  to  150  tons,  employed  in  the  West  India  trade,  a  few 
fishermen,  and  40  or  50  coasters.  Commerce  flourished  after- 
wards, till  the  commencement  of  the  restrictive  system.  By  that 
system  and  the  war  following  it,  it  was  greatly  injured,  and 
it  has  not  regained  its  former  prosperity  since  the  return  of 
peace.  In  Dec.  1815,  there  belonged  to  the  river,  or  rather  to 
the  two  counties  of  Hartford  and  Middlesex,  31,956  tons  of  ship- 
ping ;  to  Middlesex  county  9,376  tons,  consisting  of  1' Ships,  18 
brigs,  1 9  schooners,  and  38  sloops.  See  note  C. 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  9 

The  current  of  the  Connecticut  is  smooth  and  gentle,  unless 
raised  and  strengthened  by  freshets,  except  at  the  Straits,  two 
and  a  half  miles  below  Middletown  city,  where  the  whole  river, 
being  compressed  to  35  rods,  rushes  forward  with  great  force 
between  the  high  and  cragged  fronts  of  the  Strait-Hills. 

A  freshet  is  usually  experienced  about  the  first  of  March,  when 
the  ice  and  snow  dissolve  in  the  southern  parts  of  New- England. 
A  larger  one  is  experienced  a  month  later,  when  the  ice  and 
snow  dissolve  in  the  cold  regions  from  which  the  Connecticut 
derives  its  sources ;  raising  the  river  above  its  banks  and  spread- 
ing it  one  and  two  miles,  around  buildings,  trees,  &c.  At  this 
time,  the  river  presents  a  grand  and  beautiful  appearance.  As 
it  falls  and  retires,  it  leaves  a  kind  of  slime  upon  the  banks,  by 
which  they  are  continually  raised  and  enriched. 

The  Straits  just  mentioned,  serve  to  increase  and  continue  the 
floods  above  them,  and  in  some  instances,  when  the  river  has 
broken  up  suddenly,  or  has  been  suddenly  raised  by  great  rains, 
by  staying  the  waters  or  ice,  have  proved  the  occasion  of  much 
damage.  Thus  a  flood  was  produced  in  May  and  June,  1642, 
which  was  very  injurious.  Thus  the  meadows  were  alarmingly 
flooded  in  Dec.  1703.  In  April,  1801,  the  waters  became  so 
high  and  violent,  that  they  tore  the  bank  in  pieces  in  many 
places. 

In  the  lapse  of  years,  the  current  has  nearly  destroyed  some 
islands,  as  Twelve-Mile  island,  on  the  remains  of  which,  is  now 
a  fish-place  called  Statia  ;  and  it  has  formed  some  others.  Thnc- 
the  small  island  above  Middletown,  already  mentioned,  is  said  to 
have  been  formed  around  a  pier,  erected  for  the  purpose  of  fish- 
ing. Thus  Goose  island  also,  is  said  to  have  been  formed. 

In  addition  to  these  islands,  the  following  exist  in  the  river, 
and  are  particularly  valuable  for  their  fisheries,  viz.  Haddam 
island.  Lord's,  Nott's,  and  Calves'  island,  all  uninhabited. 

Haddam  island,  originally  called  Thirty-mile  island,  from  the 
supposition  of  its  being  thirty  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Con- 
necticut, contains  18  acres.  A  pier  erected  about  90  rods  north 
in  1793,  has  caused  the  sand  to  accumulate  between  it  and  the 
head  of  the  island,  and  bids  fair  to  increase  it. 

Lord's  island,  originally  called  Twenty-mile  island,  contains 
9  or  10  acres  of  sandy  and  rather  thin  land.  This  is  within  the 
bounds  of  the  town  of  East-Haddam. 

Nott's  island,  southeast  of  Pautapoug  Point,  originally  called 
Eight-mile  island,  contains  60  acres,  .some  of  which  is  good 
land.  This  belongs  to  the  town  of  Lyme,  as  does  Calves'  island, 
formerly  called  Six-mile  island,  still  farther  southeast,  contain- 
ing 8  or  10  acres. 

This  river  with  its  tributary  streams,  used  to  abound  with  fish. 


10  Statistical  Account  if  Middlesex  County  j 

with  salmon,  shad,  bass,  alewives,  pike,  carp,  perch,  &c.  whicL 
cast  their  spawn  on  logs,  and  objects  along  the  shores,  where 
they  remained  unmolested  till  nature  had  accomplished  its  work. 
But  as  there  was  a  general  prejudice  against  the  use  of  the  most 
common  and  important  kinds  of  these  fish,  either  because  they 
were  so  generally  used  by  the  Indians,  or  from  some  other  cause 
which  I  am  unable  to  assign  ;  little  effort  was  made  to  take  them 
for  more  than  a  century  after  the  county  was  settled.  Within 
the  memory  of  persons  living,  there  was  very  little  demand  for 
salmon,  and  as  for  shad  it  was  disreputable  to  eat  them.  But  as 
this  prejudice  gradually  died  away,  and  as  profitable  markets  for 
fish  were  opened,  fishing  became  an  important  business  thirty 
or  forty  years  ago,  and  has  continued  so  ever  since.  This  has 
rendered  fish-places  objects  of  consequence.  Hence  Nott's 
island,  which  was  purchased  in  1742  for  600  pounds  old  tenor, 
about  500  dollars  in  specie,  was  assessed  in  1814  at  22,000  dol- 
lars. 

For  several  years  the  quantity  of  fish  in  the  river  has  very  con- 
siderably decreased.  Salmon,  which  used  to  ascend  into  the 
bounds  of  New-Hampshire  and  Vermont,  have  rarely  appeared 
in  the  river  for  fifteen  or  twenty  years.  Shad  do  not  ascend  be- 
yond the  limits  of  Middlesex  in  sufficient  quantities,  to  render 
fishing  an  important  object.  Other  fish,  with  the  exception  of 
alewives,  are  not  caught  for  exportation,  though  they  are  taken 
occasionally  by  the  inhabitants,  and  sometimes  in  great  numbers. 

The  decrease  of  fish  is  ascribed  to  different  causes.  The  fol- 
lowing are  believed  to  have  had  an  influence  ;  the  use  of  very 
long  seines,  particularly  about  the  mouth  of  the  river,  by  which 
the  shoals  are  broken  and  prevented  entering  or  ascending  the 
river ;  the  almost  perpetual  attempts  to  take  them  in  the  season 
of  fishing,  it  being  long  observed  that  Monday  is  the  most  success- 
ful day  in  the  week,  the  fish  having  had  an  opportunity  to  get  into 
the  river  on  the  Sabbath  ;  the  removal  of  logs,  roots,  and  other 
objects  from  the  shores  on  which  spawn  are  cast,  and  the  dis- 
turbance of  these  objects  where  they  remain,  by  boating  and  na- 
vigation ;  the  erection  of  locks  on  the  river,  and  dams  on  its  tri- 
butary streams,  by  which  their  ascent  to  the  regions  beyond  them, 
is  partially  or  wholly  prevented. 

There  are  nearly  eighty  places  in  Middlesex v where  shad  are 
now  caught  in  the  season  of  fishing,  beginning  about  the  middle 
of  April  and  ending  about  the  middle  of  June,  viz,  26  in  Say- 
brook,  17  in  Haddam,  16  or  17  in  Middletown,  13  in  Chatham, 
and  5  in  East-Haddam.  At  the  fish-places  in  Saybrook. 
there  were  salted,  in  1817,  according  to  the  report  of  the 
deputy  inspector,  2,194  barrels  of  shad;  at  the  fish-places 
in  Haddam  146  barrels,  and  at  the  fish-places  in  East-Had-. 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  1 1 

dam  169;  making  a  total  of  2,509  barrels.  Many  shad  cauglu 
in  Haddam,  are  carried  out  of  the  county  and  inspected. 
From  the  fish-places  in  Middletown  and  Chatham,  and  from  all 
parts  of  the  county  where  fish  are  taken,  many  shad  are  put  up 
by  the  inhabitants,  and  many  are  carried  into  the  country,  unin- 
fpccted.  The  quantity  of  shad  uninspected,  is  doubtless  greater 
than  the  quantity  inspected.  Supposing  it  to  be  only  equal,  the 
quantity  offish  caught  in  Middlesex  in  1817,  must  have  exceed- 
ed 5,000  barrels.  Estimating  these  at  12  dollars  a  barrel,  the 
common  price  for  that  year,  will  make  a  gross  amount  of  60,000 
dollars.  That  season  was  less  favourable  than  seasons  general- 
ly. Cut  although  the  value  of  shad  yearly  caught  in  the  county 
is  great,  the  expense  of  carrying  on  this  business  is  such,  that 
the  clear  profits  are  less  than  would  be  at  first  supposed.  The 
largest  draught  which  has  ever  come  to  my  knowledge,  was  made 
at  the  Pier  in  Haddam,  in  1802,  consisting  of  about  2,300.  At 
the  succeeding  draught,  at  the  same  place,  18  or  1900  were 
taken.  In  1811,  2,280  were  taken  at  a  single  draught  at  Rutty 's 
fish-place,  and  1300  at  two  other  draughts  at  the  same  place  that 
year. 

The  best  mode  of  curing  shad  is  to  dress  them  immediately 
after  they  are  caught,  to  cleanse  them  thoroughly  and  salt  them. 
By  lying  long  in  the  sun  they  become  soft,  and  arc  bruised  and 
injured  by  being  carried  any  considerable  distance,  unless  they 
are  barrelled. 

In  the  year  1795,  shad  were  uncommonly  lean,  and  appeared 
to  be  sickly  through  the  season,  owing  it  was  generally  believed 
to  the  difficulty  of  ascending  the  river,  against  a  current  effected 
by  an  almost  continual  gale  through  the  months  of  April  and 
May ;  but  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  the  true  cause  has  been 
ascertained. 

It  is  so  easy  to  obtain  good  water  in  this  county  by  sinking 
wells,  that  aqueducts  are  rarely  formed.  Water  is  found  at  dif- 
ferent depths,  both  on  high  and  low  grounds,  and  does  not  ap- 
pear to  be  governed  altogether  by  the  nature  of  the  ground, 
though  it  is  lowest  in  the  earth  where  quicksand  prevails.  There 
is  so  much  of  this  sand  in  Haddam  street  and  the  water  is  so  low, 
that  few  wells  are  sunk.  A  few  wooden  pipes  are  here  used  and 
in  some  other  parts  of  the  county  in  conveying  water  to  families, 
the  expense  of  which  by  the  rod  is  generally  one  dollar. 

The  mineralogy  of  Middlesex  is  a  very  interesting  subject  : 
arid  as  the  Connecticut  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,  t;  have 
determined  to  commence  a  geological  arid  mineralogical  survey  of 
the  State,  under  the  superintendence  of  Professor  Silliman,"  the 
public  may  expect  accurate  and  important  information  concerning 
it.  What  facts  have  been  collected  0:1  this  subject,  and  on  th.- 


i2  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 

quarries  in  the  county,  will  be  communicated  in  the  account  which 
is  to  be  given  of  the  several  towns. 

Middlesex  was  originally  well  timbered,  but  the  trees  varied 
in  kind  as  well  as  size  according  to  variations  of  soil  and  situa- 
tion. On  high  grounds  were  the  several  species  of  oak,  walnut, 
and  chesnut,  and  on  the  low  grounds  were  birch,  maple,  beach, 
elm,  ash, and  hemlock;  thinly  interspersed  among  which  were 
button  wood,  butternut,  poplar,  dog  or  boxwood,  while  wood, 
basswood,  locust,  pepperidge,  sassafras,  horn  or  hardbeam, 
wild-cherry,  willow,  and  alder.  Pitch-pine  is  said  to  have  grown 
on  the  plain  in  Middletown  Upper-Houses.  It  was  thick  on  a 
hill  in  the  west  part  of  Haddam,  where  the  early  inhabitants  used 
to  go  and  get  pine-knots  as  a  substitute  for  candles,  from  which 
fact  the  neighbourhood  about  it  is  now  called  Candlewood-HilL 
White  pine  used  to  grow  in  a  swamp  in  Millington,  and  trees  of 
this  kind  are  occasionally  found  in  other  parts  of  the  county.  A 
swamp  in  Saybrook  and  another  in  Killingworth,  are  called  Ce- 
dar-swamps, from  the  prevalence  of  cedar  among  their  wood. 
The  red  shrub  cedar  is  common  all  over  the  county. 

Considerable  changes  have  taken  place  in  the  proportionate 
quantity  of  particular  trees  since  the  county  was  settled.  Such 
as  were  of  little  value,  have  been  designedly  destroyed  by  the 
cultivator.  Such  as  were  peculiar  to  grounds  suitable  for  mow- 
ing and  cultivation,  have  been  destroyed  to  prepare  the  way  for 
grass  and  crops.  Some  trees  from  their  brittleness  or  the 
slowness  of  their  growth,  have  been  destroyed  by  sheep  and  cat- 
tle ;  while  others,  as  the  hemlock,  beach,  and  hard-maple,  rarely 
sprout  from  the  roots,  and  if  they  do,  are  very  liable  to  die.  On 
these  accounts  some  trees  are  less  frequent  in  the  county  than 
formerly.  The  chesnut,  smooth-walnut,  and  white-oak,  sprout 
abundantly  from  the  roots,  as  well  as  come  up  from  seed,  and 
grow  on  high  and  rough  grounds,  as  well  as  on  those  which  arc 
suitable  for  tillage.  Hence  there  is  a  happy  increase  of  these 
valuable  trees  over  others  in  the  county. 

Large  and  numerous  tracts  are  reserved  in  Middlesex  for  for- 
ests. It  is,  however,  an  alarming  fact,  that  wood  and  timber  are 
decreasing.  They  are  cut  down  not  only  to  supply  our  own  in- 
habitants with  fuel  and  fencing,  and  with  materials  for  building 
houses  and  vessels,  but  immense  quantities  of  wood  and  lumber 
are  exported  to  New- York  and  other  parts  of  our  country ;  the 
call  for  which  has'  been  increasing  since  the  revolutionary  war. 
Much  more  economy  however  is  used  with  respect  to  wood  than 
formerly.  The  practice  of  burning  over  wood  lands  for  the  sake 
of  pasture  has  ceased,  the  growth  of  young  trees  is  more  cau- 
tiously guarded,  more  care  is  taken  to  make  houses  tight,  and  to 
render  a  less  quantity  of  fuel  needful  to  warm  them,  fire-place? 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  1 3 

arc  improved  and  stoves  in  many  cases  introduced.  Were  build- 
ings erected  of  stone,  as  they  might  easily  be  in  most  parts  of  the 
county,  there  would  be  an  additional  saving.  The  use  of  brick 
would  have  the  same  effect ;  but  clay  is  not  so  common  with  us 
as  building  stone.  The  largest  and  most  important  bed  known, 
to  me,  is  in  the  upper  part  of  Haddam,  and  this  is  so  near  to  the 
river,  that  the  brick  may  be  made  upon  the  bank,  and  thence 
tnken  and  carried  away  in  vessels  wherever  they  are  needed. 

To  increase  the  quantity  of  wood,  the  seed  of  those  trees 
which  are  wished  to  be  raised  may  be  sown  upon  cleared  lands, 
or  may  be  transplanted  from  the  forests.  A  better  mode  however, 
is  believed  to  be,  as  trees  spring  up  naturally  and  abundantly  on 
many  of  our  lands,  to  fence  entirely  from  cattle  what  is  intended 
to  be  reserved  for  woodland,  and  in  cutting,  to  cut  clean  on  one 
part  of  it,  avoiding  the  evil  of  falling  trees  one  upon  another,  and 
suffering  no  creatures  to  run  among  them.  Thus  the  buds  are 
all  preserved,  the  ground  is  enriched  by  the  leaves  and  grass, 
and  the  growth  of  trees  is  advanced  ,more  rapidly  than  in  any 
other  known  manner. 

As  moisture  exposes  timber  to  decay,  it  is  believed  that  the 
best  time  to  fell  timber  for  durability  is  in  the  latter  part  of 
winter  before  the  sap  ascends.  Timber,  however,  for  posts  and 
rails  should  be  cut  when  the  sap  flows  freely,  that  it  may  be 
peeled,  otherwise  the  bark  will  become  the  occasion  of  rotting 
them. 

That  seasoned  wood  is  the  best,  as  well  as  the  most  conve- 
nient for  fuel,  is  admitted  by  those  who  reflect  upon  the  subject. 
It  will  evidently  season  the  easiest  if  felled  when  it  has  the  least 
sap  in  it ;  and  in  the  winter  season  farmers  can  most  conveniently 
cut  their  wood  and  convey  it  to  their  own  doors,  and  those  of 
their  neighbours,  where  it  ought  immediately  to  be  cut  and  split 
for  the  fire  and  then  seasoned  under  cover. 

The  price  of  timber  in  this  county  for  houses  is  four  cents  per 
foot;  chesnut  timber  for  ship-building  is  four  dollars  per  ton, 
and  oak  five ;  short  oak-plank  for  ship-building,  is  twenty-five 
dollars  per  thousand  ;  long  plank,  from  thirty-five  to  forty. 
Hickory  wood  in  Middlesex  late  years  has  varied  from  five  to 
six  dollars  and  a  half  per  cord.  Oak  wood  has  varied  from 
three  to  four  dollars  per  cord:  in  Middletown  city  it  has  sold  for 
more.  As  all  our  towns,  except  Durham,  border  on  Connecticut 
river  er  the  Sound,  our  wood  is  generally  within  a  few  miles  of 
navigable  water.  This  is  the  only  article  used  for  fuel  among  up. 

For  an  account  of  mills  of  a  common  description,  the  reader  is 
referred  to  nott  D. 

For  a  long  period,  lands  in  this  county  were  cheap.  For  twen- 
ty or  thirty  years  they  have  greatly  increased  in. .price.  The 


14  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

assessments  made  by  order  of  the  General  Government  in  1814, 
more  than  doubled  those  which  were  made  in  1798.  Good  land 
near  the  river  and  Sound  has  sold  for  some  years  past,  from  fifty 
to  one  hundred  dollars  per  acre,  and  in  some  instances  for  much 
more.  On  an  average,  it  has  not  been  sold  much  under  a  hun- 
dred dollars.  Good  land  back  varies  in  price  according  to  its 
distance  from  market  and  other  circumstances.  Good  lands, 
however,  in  Durham,  and  in  the  back  parts  of  Middletown,  are 
high.  On  an  average,  they  may  be  put  at  eighty  dollars  per 
acre. 

Wheat  was  a  principal  crop  in  this  county  until  the  ravages  of 
the  Hessian-fly  about  1777,  since  which,  there  has  been  but  lit- 
tle raised.  This  insect  has  recently  been  less  troublesome,  and 
in  some  instances  where  grounds  have  been  thoroughly  prepar- 
ed, this  grain  has  succeeded  well,  and  there  is  reason  to  hope 
that  it  will  again  become  a  common  crop.  Thirty-six  bushels 
have  lately  been  raised  on  an  acre  in  Durham.  Rye  is  now 
sown  abundantly  and  is  of  an  excellent  quality.  More  than 
forty  bushels  of  this  grain  have  been  raised  on  an  acre  in  Say- 
brook,  and  nearly  that  quantity  per  acre  on  many  acres  together. 
From  24  acres  lying  in  one  field,  Augustus  Bushnel,  Esq.  of  that 
town,  in  1816,  gathered  804  bushels.  The  land  was  naturally 
of  a  thin  and  sandy  soil,  but  had  been  well  dressed  with  manure, 
principally  with  fish.  Corn  has  ever  been  an  important  crop  in 
Middlesex.  Seventy  bushels  have  been  raised  on  an  acre. 
About  1798,  a  gentleman  in  Haddam  planted  a  small  piece,  put- 
ting two  kernels  into  a  hill,  a  foot  a  part,  from  which  he  gathered 
corn  at  the  rate  of  100  bushels  per  acre.  Flax  and  oats  are 
raised  in  large  quantities  in  some  parts  of  the  county  ;  potatoes 
abundantly  more  than  they  were  thirty  or  forty  years  ago,  though 
it  is  impossible  to  ascertain  the  number  of  acres  planted  with 
potatoes,  as  v/ell  as  the  number  of  acres  sown  with  turnips. 
Very  little  grain  and  provisions  arc  exported  from  Middlesex ; 
less,  it  is  believed,  than  are  imported. 

A  general  opinion  prevails  among  the  farmers,  that  a  rotation 
of  crops  is  beneficial,  or  that  the  continuance  of  the  same  crop 
upon  the  same  ground  for  a  succession  of  years,  is  inexpedient. 
Hence  grain,  oats,  and  flax,  are  customarily  sown  after  a  crop  of 
corn.  These  are  frequently  followed  with  grass,  and  then  corn 
is  again  planted .  Some  instances,  however,  have  occurred,  in  which 
rye  and  corn  have  succeeded  well  on  the  same  lands  year  after 
year.  Clover,  timothy,  and  other  grasses,  which  were  scarcely 
known  forty  years  ago,  are  now  introduced  abundantly,  and  the 
benefit  is  both  an  amelioration  of  the  soil  by  the  svvard  which  they 
cprcad  upon  it,  and  the  increase  as  well  as  improvement  of  hay. 

The  principal  manures  used  in  the  northern  parts  of  Middlesex 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  15 

are  taken  from  the  sty  and  yard.  Ashes,  so  far  as  they  can 
be  obtained,  are  used  ;  and  some  trial  has  been  made  of  plaster, 
more  the  last  season  than  any  preceding  year,  and  on  dry  sandy 
land  it  has  proved  very  beneficial.  Near  the  Sound,  this  ma- 
nure has  had  scarcely  any  perceptible  effect.  But  the  inhabi- 
tants are  favoured  with  other  means  of  enriching  their  lands.  In 
addition  to  the  manures  just  mentioned,  it  has  long  been  their 
practice  to  collect  the  sea-weed  brought  upon  the  beach  and 
meadows,  and  throw  it  into  their  sties  and  yards  ;  by  which  the 
quantity  and  quality  of  the  manures  derived  from  those  places 
are  improved.  Rockweed,  which  contains  an  oily  and  an  en- 
riching substance  is  collected,  and  sometimes  used  in  a  similar 
manner,  and  sometimes  carried  directly  upon  the  land  and 
ploughed  in.  Marine  shells  are  also  collected  occasionally 
for  manure.  But  the  most  efficacious  manure  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Sound,  consists  of  the  white-fish,  which  visit  the  shores  in 
immense  numbers  in  June  and  the  first  part  of  July.  These  be- 
gan to  be  used  for  manure  in  Middlesex  in  1801  and  2.  They 
are  carried  as  soon  as  taken  and  spread  upon  the  land  and  plow- 
ed in  ;  or  arc  thrown  into  heaps,  mixed  and  covered  with  earth 
or  turf,  and  suffered  to  pulverize  ;  and  are  then  spread  upon  the 
ground,  as  suits  the  convenience  and  objects  of  farmers.  In 
either  mode,  the  effect  even  on  dry  and  poor  land  is  wonderful ; 
and  though  it  was  at  first  apprehended  by  many  that  after  two  or 
three  crops,  they  would  leave  the  land  poorer  than  they  found 
it,  experience  has  hitherto  proved  this  apprehension  to  be  ground- 
less. Under  the  influence  of  this  manure,  some  of  the  finest 
fields  of  grain,  corn,  and  grass,  are  annually  presented  on  the 
margin  of  the  Sound,  which  exist  in  our  country.  Where  these 
fish  have  been  tried  at  a  distance  from  the  sea,  they  have  been 
found  equally  beneficial.  Eight  thousand  are  requisite  to  dress 
an  acre.  They  have  been  sold  lately  for  a  dollar  and  an  half 
per  thousand. 

No  extensive  efforts  have  been  made  with  us  for  watering 
lands;  but  wherever  brooks  have  been  spread  over  .->mall  tracts,, 
;he  effect  lias  been  obviously  and  highly  beneficial,  both  from 
;he  increase  of  moisture  and  the  intermixture  of  soils. 

As  to  the  best  seed-lime  and  harvest  time,  they  doubtless  vary 
.somewhat  in  different  years.  Our  farmers  are  accustomed  to  sow 
rye  from  the  latter  part  of  August  till  severe  frosts  arrive  in  au- 
!umn,  a.N  their  business  and  the  situation  of  their  land  permit. 
Oats  and  flax  are  usually  sown  in  the  spring,  so  soon  as  the 
ground  is  in  a  condition  to  be  plowed.  Corn  is  generally  plant- 
ed on  high  grounds  the  first  and  second  weeks  in  May,  and  in  the 
meadows  on  Connecticut  river,  by  reason  of  the  existence  or 
i.'MofT  of  freshets,  two  or  three  weeks  later.  In  cold  season?. 


It>  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 

early  planting  renders  the  sprouts  feeble  and  slow  of  growth. 
Very  late  planting  exposes  corn  to  injury  from  frosts  in  the  fall. 

Some  farmers  are  in  the  habit  of  harvesting  their  grain  as 
soon  as  it  is  out  of  the  milk-state,  and  though  in  that  state,  care 
is  requisite  lest  it  should  heat  and  mould  in  the  barn,  the  flour 
made  from  it  is  whiter  and  better  flavored.  Others  let  their 
grain  stand  until  it  is  thoroughly  ripened,  which  has  been  the 
case  late  years,  the  two  last  weeks  in  July. 

Weeds  are  destroyed  among  us  by  the  plow  and  hoe,  and  ge- 
nerally with  a  view  to  a  crop  which  they  would  injure,  and 
not  for  the  sake  of  destroying  them  merely.  To  extirpate  them, 
it  is  essential  that  they  be  plowed  up,  or  in  some  other  mode  de- 
stroyed, before  the  seed  is  formed. 

A  frequent  change  of  the  seed  of  grain  and  corn  is  generally 
supposed  to  be  useful.  Seed  brought  from  the  north  does  better 
than  that  which  is  brought  from  the  south.  But  as  those  farmers 
who  cultivate  their  lands  well,  usually  raise  good  crops  whether 
they  change  the  seed  or  not,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the 
benefits  ascribed  to  the  change  of  seed,  are  owing  to  the  fact, 
that  the  seed  which  is  obtained  from  abroad,  and  for  which  a 
great  price  is  paid,  is  cleaner  and  better  than  that  which  farmers 
are  willing  to  take  pains  to  secure  at  home,  rather  than  to  the 
change  itself. 

As  the  inhabitants  of  this  county  are  favoured  with  near  and 
ready  markets,  ox-teams  are  used  almost  wholly  by  them. 
From  the  list  of  1817,  it  appears  that  there  must  be  between 
eleven  and  twelve  hundred  teams  in  the  county.  Our  farming 
utensils  are  the  same  which  are  used  in  the  other  counties  of  the 
State.  Fences  in  the  stony  parts  of  the  county  are  built  some- 
times wholly  of  stone,  and  sometimes  with  stone  and  posts  with 
two  or  three  rails  ;  in  other  parts  of  the  county  they  are  built  of 
posts  and  rails,  or  of  rails  only.  The  expense  of  fencing  by 
the  rod  varies  according  to  the  facility  or  difficulty  of  getting 
the  requisite  materials ;  as  a  general  fact,  it  may  be  estimated 
at  a  dollar  a  rod.  Hedges  are  scarcely  known  among  us. 

The  quantity  of  cider  annually  made  in  Middlesex  is  conside- 
rable. More  orcharding  exists  in  the  northern  than  in  the 
southern  parts  of  the  county :  but  small  pains  have  been 
taken  to  select  good  fruit.  Pear  trees  are  not  very  common 
with  us.  Plum  trees  generally  died  several  years  ago,  and 
peach  trees  have  died  abundantly  within  a  few  years. 

We  have  many  good  gardens ;  but  the  attention  of  people 
has  been  directed  almost  solely  to  the  cultivation  of  those  roots 
und  plants  which  are  useful.  The  state  of  gardening  here  is  on 
<i  level  with  (he  state  of  gardening  generally  throughon!  Connec- 
ticut. 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  1 7 

We  have  very  few  tenants,  and  land  is  rarely  leased ;  the  far- 
mers being  in  most  cases  at  once  the  owners  and  the  cultivators 
of  the  soil. 

Individuals  and  families  for  eighty  years  have  been  almost  per- 
petually removing  from  this  county.  They  at  first  removed  to  the 
county  of  Litchfield  in  this  State,  and  Berkshire  in  Massachu- 
setts ;  then  to  New-Hampshire  and  Vermont ;  in  later  years 
they  have  removed  to  New- York,  and  to  the  western  States  and 
Territories.  The  descendants  of  those  who  have  emigrated  from 
the  county,  doubtless  exceed  its  population  at  the  present  time. 

But  three  persons,  inhabitants  of  this  county,  have  been  con- 
\icted  of  capital  offences.  Two  of  these  were  born  in  the  coun- 
ty, and  one  was  a  squaw  of  the  Pequot  tribe.  They  were  all 
convicted  of  murder,  committed  on  the  persons  of  relatives. 

The  instances  of  suicide  are  eighteen.  In  some  of  these 
the  subjects  were  considered  to  be  under  the  influence  of  deli- 
rium, and  in  others,  the  causes  were  not  certainly  known. 

A  few  pleasure-carriages  were  introduced  into  Middlesex 
about  1750.  They  have  been  gradually  increasing  since:  in 
1814,  they  amounted  to  549.  See  note  E. 

The  number  of  sheep  and  swine  in  Middlesex  is  unknown. 
Very  little  beef  and  pork  are  exported.  Some  years,  none  has 
been  inspected.  What  is  raised  is  almost  entirely  consumed  in 
the  county.  The  quantity  of  butter  and  cheese  exported  is  not 
great. 

The  inhabitants  have  ever  manufactured  a  large  portion  of 
their  clothing  in  the  family  ;  and  the  more  necessary  articles  of 
furniture  and  husbandry  have  been  made  among  ourselves.  The 
cloths  at  first  manufactured  were  coarse,  especially  woollen 
cloths,  which  were  often  worn  without  shearing  or  pressing.  Late 
years  cloths  of  considerable  fineness  have  been  wrought  in  the 
family. 

The  important  factories  of  woollen  and  cotton  cloths  and  of 
other  articles  in  the  county,  will  be  mentioned  in  the  history  of 
the  towns. 

A  brewery,  which  was  erected  in  Middletown  in  1796,  was 
consumed  by  fire,  Dec.  22,  1809  ;  and  we  have  no  brewery  now 
in  the  county. 

Ship-building  has  been  carried  on  for  more  than  a  century, 
and  for  half  that  period  has  been  a  leading  branch  of  business. 
Vessels  are  built  in  many  yards  on  the  Connecticut,  and  near 
the  mouths  of  the  smaller  rivers  which  empty  into  the  Sound. 
Materials  for  them,  with  the  exception  of  pine,  are  furnished 
principally  from  our  own  forests.  Eight  ships,  11  brigs,  13 
schooners,  and  17  sloops,  amounting  to  7, 503  tons,  were  launched 
in  1815.  See  note  F, 


18  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 

Many  more  were  launched  yearly  previous  to  the  i 
system. 

*  Our  roads,  with  few  exceptions,  were  bad,  till  within  a  few- 
years.  They  were  laid  out  to  accommodate  neighbours  in  going 
from  one  house  to  another,  rather  than  for  extended  travel,  wen- 
over  rough  and  uneven  grounds,  and  the  communications  wit!; 
most  parts  of  the  country  by  water,  were  so  easy,  that  feeble  ef- 
forts were  made  to  improve  them.  But  within  a  few  years  ail 
the  principal  roads,  excepting  that  which  runs  from  east  to  west 
along  the  Sound,  (which  was  a  comfortable  road  before.)  have 
been  turnpiked.  We  have  now  thirteen  turnpikes,  partly  01 
wholly  within  the  county,  some  of  which  center  in  Middletown 
city,  and  some  in  other  places,  opening  communications  with 
all  parts  of  the  country.  On  most  of  these,  and  on  some  others, 
the  mail  is  regularly  carried,  either  by  stages  or  post-risers. 
The  capital  stock  of  the  turnpike  roads  is  $  143,632.  See  note  G. 

The  width,  the  force,  and  especially  the  navigation  of  the 
Connecticut,  are  such,  as  to  render  it  very  improbable  that 
bridges  will  ever  be  thrown  over  it,  within  the  bounds  of  this 
county.  The  other  rivers  are  so  small,  that  we  have  few  bridges 
of  much  consequence. 

The  bridge  over  Pameacha  river,  on  the  turnpike  road  from 
Middletown  to  Durham  and  New-Haven,  is  by  far  the  most 
beautiful  and  excellent  of  any  in  the  county.  This  was  built 
in  1814,  by  Col.  Ezra  Brainerd,  the  celebrated  architect  of  Car- 
thage Bridge,  for  $3,000;  the  Turnpike  Company  furnishing 
the  iron,  which  cost  about  $  500  more.  It  consists  of  one  arch, 
the  chord  of  which  is  160  feet,  supported  by  butments  formed  al- 
most wholly  by  the  natural,  rocky,  and  nearly  perpendicular 
banks  of  the  river.  The  floor  is  27  feet  wide,  elevated  50  feet 
above  the  stream.  The  bridge  is  formed  wholly  of  pine,  and 
by  its  situation  and  style  of  workmanship,  constitutes  a  princi- 
pal ornament  of  the  southwestern  part  of  Middletown  city. 

There  are  ten  ferries  in  Middlesex,  all  on  Connecticut  river, 
connecting  the  towns  and  societies  on  its  eastern  and  western 
banks.  With  the  exception  of  two,  these  are  owned  by  indivi- 
duals. Sec  note  H. 

We  have  no  wild  animals  but  what  are  common  in  other 
parts  of  the  State.  A  bear  was  killed  in  Haddam,  weighing 
12  score,  in  1754  ;  another  was  killed  on  Haddam  Neck  in  1767. 
Wolves  were  troublesome  two  or  three  years  later  :  ar.d  one 
which  had  strayed  down  from  the  north,  was  killed  in  the  south- 
western part  of  Saybrook,  in  Feb.  1815.  A  moose  was  killed 
in  the  same  section  of  that  town  about  1770.  Deer  were 
mon  in  some  parts  of  the  county  till  the  winter  of  1763;  thr>: 
winter  many  were  killed;  and  the  winter  but  one  foil ov,i 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  19 

the  time  of  a  deep  snow,  through  the  crust  of  which  they  broke 
and  became  an  easy  prey  for  hunters,  they  were  destroyed. 
Wild  turkeys  were  plenty  in  1780,  and  occasionally  seen,  as  late 
as  1790. 

Barberry  bushes  are  scarcely  found  among  us,  and  nothing  is 
experienced  of  their  ill  effects. 

There  are  in  Middlesex,  35  houses  for  public  worship,  18  of 
which  belong  to  the  Congregationalists,  1  to  the  Strict-Congre- 
gationalists, 6  to  the  Episcopalians,  6  to  the  Baptists,  and  4  to 
the  Methodists.  The  houses  first  erected  for  this  purpose,  were 
small  indifferent  buildings,  corresponding  with  the  number  and 
circumstances  of  the  inhabitants.  As  their  numbers  and  means 
increased,  larger  and  better  buildings  were  erected.  The  pre- 
sent churches  are  generally  convenient,  but  plain  structures. 
See  note  I. 

According  to  an  enumeration  made  in  1815,  (and  the  popula- 
tion has  not  greatly  increased  since,)  there  were  in  Middlesex 
3,688  families.  Of  these,  considering  all  to  belong  to  some  de- 
nomination, 2,330  families  belonged  to  the  Congregationalists, 
88  to  the  Strict-Congregationalists,  421  to  the  Episcopalians, 
489  to  the  Baptists,  291  to  the  Methodists,  and  69  to  the  Univer- 
salists.  The  Strict-Congregationalists  have  increased  some,  it 
is  supposed,  since  1815,  and  there  may  have  been  some  small 
changes  among  other  denominations.  See  note  J. 

The  inhabitants  of  Middlesex  were  universally  Congregation- 
alists for  more  than  a  century  after  the  settlements  commenced. 
They  appear  to  have  maintained  public  worship  from  the  begin- 
ning, though  circumstances  prevented  the  organization  of  church- 
es, and  the  settlement  of  ministers  for  several  years.  See  note  K. 

To  worship  God  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  consciences 
unmolested,  was  the  grand  object  for  which  the  first  settlers  of 
New-England,  left  Europe.  To  compass  this,  they  sacrificed 
almost  every  earthly  enjoyment,  and  encountered  hardships,  of 
which  their  privileged  descendants  have  no  adequate  concep- 
tions. 

hi  the  organization  of  churches  in  Middlesex,  the  principles 
of  Congregationalism  were  recognized,  though  some  of  the  New- 
England  churches  were  formed  upon  the  presbyterian  plan.  In 
no  case  were  two  ministers  set  over  the  same  church,  one  in  the 
character  of  a  paster,  and  the  other  in  the  character  of  a  teacher, 
though  at  the  call  of  the  first  minister  in  Middletown,  the  peo- 
ple expressed  a  willingness  to  associate  with  him  another  minis- 
ter, provided  they  should  be  able  to  furnish  the  requisite  sup- 
port, and  he  should  request  it :  nor  has  there  ever  been  in  the 
Middlesex  churches,  &  ruling  elder. 

In  setting  apart  ministers  to  their  office,  the  same  custom 

3 


10  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  y 

prevailed,  which  exists  at  the  present  day,  except  in  the  ordina- 
tion of  the  two  first  ministers  in  Saybrook,  where,  according  to 
tradition,  the  brethren  imposed  hands. 

Deacons  were  ordained  for  a  long  period  in  the  first  church 
in  Micidletown,  by  the  pastor,  and  a  brother  appointed  for  that 
service.  In  other  cases  deacons  have  been  ordained  in  the 
county.  For  a  list  of  ministers  and  deacons  see  notes  L.  $•  M. 

From  some  confessions  of  faith  which  have  been  preserved, 
and  from  other  circumstances,  it  appears,  that  the  congregation- 
al churches  have  acknowledged  the  doctrines  of  grace  from  the  be- 
ginning. But  it  must  be  confessed,  that  these  doctrines  have  not 
been  taught  in  all  cases  with  the  same  clearness,  nor  received 
with  the  same  good-will. 

Learning  and  piety  were  regarded  as  essential  qualifications 
for  the  ministry,  and  piety  was  regarded  as  an  essential  qualifi- 
cation for  full  communion  in  the  church.  But  a  council  which 
met  at  Boston  in  1657,  advanced  the  sentiment,  "  that  it  is  the 
duly  of  infants,  who  conferale  in  their  parents,  when  grown  up 
unto  years  of  discretion,  though  not  yet  fit  for  the  Lord's  Supper, 
to  own  the  covenant,  they  made  with  their  parents,  by  entering 
thereunto,  in  their  own  persons;"  that  the  church  might  call 
upon  them  thus  to  own  the  covenant,  and  upon  their  refusal, 
proceed  to  discipline  them.  This  gave  rise  to  what  has  been 
customarily  called  the  half-way  covenant,  which  was  adopted 
sooner  ol-  later,  by  nearly  all  the  congregational  churches  of  Mid- 
dlesex. The  great  objection  to  this  covenant  was,  that  it  re- 
quired baptized  children  to  enter  into  solemn  engagements  to 
serve  God,  when  they  were  acknowledged  to  be  unlit  for  the  sa- 
cramental supper.  Among  the  Jews,  circumcised  children  were 
as  much  required  to  attend  upon  the  passover,  as  to  enter  into 
covenant  with  God  ;  and  analogy  authorizes  the  conclusion,  that 
baptized  children  are  bound  as  truly  to  know  the'  God  of  their 
fathers,  by  celebrating  the  Lord's  supper,  as  by  any  other  reli- 
gious service. 

The  first  settlers  of  Middlesex  paid  very  great  attention  to 
the  religious  education  of  their  children,  instructing  them  care- 
fully into  the  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God,  and  praying  with 
them  statedly,  morning  and  evening.  But  the  effect  of  the  half- 
way covenant  was  unhappy.  It  brought  multitudes  into  a  par- 
tial connection  with  the  church,  and  to  a  partial  participation  of 
its  privileges,  who  were  at  the  time  confessedly  unconverted,  and 
who  very  generally  afterwards  made  little  effort  to  adorn  the 
Christian  profession.  When  the  evils  of  this  covenant  were 
exposed  by  President  Edwards,  Dr.  Bellamy,  and  others,  and 
when  ministers  and  churches  came  to  examine  it  more  thorough- 
ly, one  and  another  were  disposed  to  reject  it,  or  to  lay  it  aside 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  21 

in  practice,  and  it  has  now  scarcely  an  advocate  in  Middlesex  or 
in  Connecticut. 

ft  has  been  stated  that  the  first  churches  of  the  county  were 
congregational  in  their  organization ;  but  they  disclaimed  inde- 
pendency. They  maintained  mutual  fellowship  and  assisted  one 
another  in  cases  of  difficulty.  The  Cambridge  Platform  regu- 
lated their  intercourse  many  years.  But  as  that  platform  did 
not  define  accurately  whence  councils  should  be  called  in  cases 
of  difficulty,  nor  what  number  of  ministers  and  churches  should  be 
requisite  to  constitute  a  council,  and  as  some  difficulties  had  arisen 
from  the  want  of  a  more  explicit  rule  of  procedure  ;  the  Saybrook 
Platform,  after  much  consultation  among  ministers  and  the  serious 
part  of  the  community,  was  formed  in  1708,  and  immediately 
adopted  by  the  churches  then  in  existence,  as  it  has  been  since 
by  the  churches  more  recently  formed. 

Agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  this  standard,  the  congrega- 
tional ministers  and  churches  in  the  towns  now  constituting  Mid- 
dlesex county,  belonged  to  the  associations  and  consociations  in 
the  counties  from  which  the  towns  were  taken,  till  Middlesex  was 
formed  in  1785;  since  which  a  new  association  and  consociation 
have  been  organized,  though  the  ministers  and  churches  of  Mid- 
dletown  and  of  Chatham  first  society,  for  the  sake  of  convenience, 
remain  with  the  South  Association  and  Consociation  of  Hartford 
county.  In  Oct.  1787,  the  ministers  of  Saybrook  and  Killing- 
worth  formed  themselves  into  this  new  association,  called  the  Mid- 
dlesex Association  ;  who  were  joined  the  June  following,  by  the 
ministers  of  Haddam  and  East-Haddam,  of  the  parishes  of  Mid- 
dle-Haddam  and  East-Hampton  ;  and  also  by  the  ministers  of 
West-Chester  and  North-Lyme  parishes,  in  the  county  of  New- 
London.  The  ministers  of  these  places,  with  the  minister  of  the 
first  society  in  Lyme,  now  constitute  the  Middlesex  Association, 
and  with  their  churches,  the  Middlesex  Consociation. 

The  formation  of  particular  congregational  churches,  and  the 
settlement  of  their  ministers  ;  the  rise  and  spread  of  other  de- 
nominations, and  the  settlement  of  their  ministers,  will  be  articles 
in  the  statistical  accounts  of  the  towns.  For  the  salaries  of  mi- 
nisters, see  note  N. 

The  congregational  ministers  of  Middlesex,  have  generally 
been  supported  by  a  tax,  laid  on  the  lists  of  the  inhabitants. 
While  the  people  remained  of  one  heart,  and  of  one  way  to 
serve  God,  this  method  of  support  was  attended  with  little  diffi- 
culty, and  excited  little  opposition.  But  as  other  denominations 
arose,  it  became  somewhat  embarrassed,  and  was  mac'o  the  sub- 
ject of  much  complaint.  The  consequence  is,  that  resort  is  had, 
in  many  cases,  to  other  modes  of  support.  Lands  reserved  by 
the  first  settlers  for  the  support  of  the^ministry,  have,  in  some 


22  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

instances,  become  valuable  ;  and  by  being  jonted  or  leased,  yield 
a  considerable  annual  income.  Several  societies  have  received 
important  legacies  and  donations.  In  other  cases,  subscriptions 
have  been  set  on  foot,  for  raising  funds.  All  the  societies  have 
received  something  from  the  act  of  the  Legislature,  passed  in 
Oct.  1816,  appropriating  a  claim  against  the  United  States  to 
the  support  of  literature  and  religion  ;  and  this  has  generally 
been  applied  by  them  to  the  increase  of  funds  for  maintaining 
religious  institutions.  In  these  various  ways,  most  of  the  so- 
cieties are  relieved  partly  or  wholly  from  the  necessity  of  raising 
any  thing  yearly  for  the  support  of  the  Gospel.  What  is  neces- 
sary to  be  raised  also,  in  sundry  instances  is  raised  by  the  rent 
of  pews  or  by  subscriptions. 

Ministers  of  other  denominations  are  generally  supported  by 
funds,  by  pew-rents,  subscriptions,  or  contributions. 

The  amount  of  funds  devoted  in  one  way  and  another  to  the 
support  of  religion  in  Middlesex,  exceeds  $70,000;  but  some  of 
it  is  not  yet  in  a  productive  state.  See  note  O. 

We  have  no  academy  in  the  county.  Our  district  schools  are 
112;  in  which  about  6,000  children  are  instructed  by  men  in 
the  winter  season  ;  a  number,  somewhat  smaller,  is  instructed, 
generally  by  women,  in  the  summer :  by  both  from  six  to  ten  and 
eleven  months  annually.  See  note  P. 

The  wages  of  men,  exclusive  of  board,  vary  from  ten  to 
twenty  dollars  per  month,  and  of  women,  from  75  cents  to  one 
and  two  dollars  per  week. 

The  kinds  of  knowledge  generally  taught,  are  reading,  writ- 
ing, and  arithmetic.  In  many  schools  in  the  winter  season,  and 
in  those  which  are  taught  by  men  in  the  summer,  some  attention 
is  paid  to  grammar,  geography,  and  occasionally  to  other 
branches  of  science. 

That  there  is  now  a  gradual  improvement  in  schooling,  and 
that  there  has  been  a  great  improvement  since  the  settlement  of 
the  county,  is  unquestionable.  For  a  long  period  it  was  diffi- 
cult to  obtain  suitable  elementary  books  for  children,  and  persons 
suitably  qualified  to  teach  them.  The  first  of  these  difficulties 
has  long  since  been  removed,  and  the  only  serious  difficulty  in 
the  way  of  obtaining  qualified  instructors,  lies  in  the  unwilling- 
ness of  districts  to  give  the  requisite  wages. 

In  addition  to  the  liberal  provisions  of  the  Legislature,  for  the 
promotion  of  schooling,  some  towns  have  funds  appropriated  to 
this  object,  which  will  be  mentioned  hereafter. 

Besides  the  district  schools,  subscription  schools  are  occasion- 
ally taught  in  the  county.  Many  of  the  clergy  also,  instruct 
youth  in  the  branches  commonly  taught  in  academies. 

The   number  of  paupers  in  Middlesex   perpetually   varies ; 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  L2.1 

though  on  the  whole,  according  to  the  common  complaint,  it 
is  supposed  to  increase.  These  are  almost  universally  natives, 
as  foreigners  rarely  reside  with  us  long  enough  to  become  in- 
habitants. Some  are  supported  wholly,  and  some  partially  or 
occasionally.  Their  occupations,  (where  they  had  any,)  have 
"been  various,  and  the  means  also,  by  which  they  have  been  re- 
duced to  want;  some  being  poor  from  idiocy,  distraction,  and 
unavoidable  calamities,  and  some  from  idleness,  extravagance, 
and  intemperance. 

The  mode  of  supporting  them  is  different,  in  different  towns, 
and  in  the  same  towns,  at  different  times.  Those  wholly  under 
the  care  of  towns  have  sometimes  been  boarded  out,  one,  two, 
three,  or  all  in  private  families,  for  some  given  sum  by  the  week 
or  year;  and  in  others,  have  been  set  up,  unjustifiably  I  think,  at 
rendue,  and  put  out  to  the  lowest  bidders  ;  while  those  needing 
partial  or  occasional  assistance,  have  been  furnished  from  time 
to  time,  with  fuel,  food,  and  clothing  at  their  own  dwellings.  The 
alms-house,  recently  erected  in  Middletown,  is  the  only  one  in  the 
county. 

The  expenses  of  the  poor  in  1814,  were  as  follows,  viz.  in 
Middletown  $  1622  70;  in  Chatham  $1440  17;  in  Haddam 
$500;  in  East-Haddam  $936  31  ;  in  Saybrook  $  1720;  in  Kil- 
lingworth  about  $  966  29 ;  and  in  Durham  $  401  56  ;  in  the 
whole  county,  $  7587  03. 

What  is  the  best  mode  of  uniting  humanity  with  economy,  in 
the  support  of  the  poor,  is  a  point  difficult  to  be  ascertained. 
The  best  mode  in  one  place  might  not  be  the  best  in  another, 
and  where  a  wise  plan  is  formed,  the  great  difficulty  lies  in  its 
execution.  In  large  towns,  where  the  poor  are  numerous,  lit- 
tle doubt  exists,  that  an  alms-house  establishment  is  matter  of 
economy.  In  such  an  establishment,  the  various  articles  of  con- 
sumption may  be  purchased  in  large  quantities,  and  of  course  at 
reduced  prices  ;  the  services  of  those  who  are  capable  of  labour, 
by  combination  and  system,  may  be  turned  to  the  greatest  ad- 
vantage :  besides,  the  steward  of  an  alms-house,  feeling  a  degree 
of  responsibility  beyond  the  superintendent  of  two  or  three 
paupers,  and  giving  himself  continually  to  his  business,  may  in 
nameless  ways  save  considerable  expense.  Nor  is  such  an  es- 
tablishment incompatible  with  humanity.  It  may  be  so  manag- 
ed as  to  afford  the  poor  every  comfort,  which  the  community  are 
bound  to  give  them.  The  evils  to  be  apprehended  from  bring- 
ing them  into  the  same  or  contiguous  buildings,  may  be  avoided 
by  placing  them  in  separate  apartments,  giving  a  uniform  pre- 
ference in  circumstances,  to  those  who  are  virtuous,  over  those 
who  are  vicious  ;  but  encouraging  in  the  latter  every  appearance 
of  amendment.  Such  as  are  obstinate  in  vice,  while  they  ought 


-24  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  . 

to  be  kept  from  absolute  suffering,  should  never  have  favum, 
bestowed  upon  them  so  liberally,  as  to  render  an  alms-house  a 
temptation  to  improvidence,  idleness,  and  wickedness,  and  the 
occasion  of  increasing  the  very  evil,  for  the  unavoidable  occur- 
rence of  which,  it  is  intended  to  provide.  An  alms-house  ought 
always  to  be  located  so  near  to  a  house  of  public  worship,  that 
the  poor,  who  are  able,  may  attend  the  stated  ministrations  of  the 
sanctuary.  They  should  also  be  furnished  with  bibles  and  tracts, 
and  be  required  to  read  them,  and  should  be  visited  and  coun- 
selled, at  no  very  distant  periods,  by  ministers  and  private 
Christians. 

But  the  benefits  of  an  alms-house  will  depend  essentially  upon 
the  character,  talents,  and  faithfulness  of  him,  who  has  the  imme- 
diate control  of  it.  Every  town,  forming  such  an  establishment, 
will  find  not  only  their  poor  benefitted,  but  their  own  interests 
promoted,  by  placing  over  it  a  man  of  respectable  standing  in 
life,  a  man,  deeply  skilled  in  the  knowledge  of  mankind,  and  ca- 
pable of  managing  the  various  characters  committed  to  his  care. 

Whether  placed  in  an  alms-house  or  elsewhere,  no  prudent  and 
consistent  means  should  be  left  untried,  of  advancing  the  real 
welfare  of  the  poor,  of  curing  their  diseases,  of  promoting  their  vir- 
tue, and  of  exciting  them  to  preparation  for  that  tribunal,  where, 
without  distinction,  the  rich  and  the  poor  shall  meet  together. 

Of  many  of  these  remarks,  the  alms-house  in  Middletown,  al- 
ready mentioned,  is  an  illustration.  This  stands  in  the  south- 
western part  of  the  city,  near  Pameacha  river,  and  is  a  substan- 
tial brick  building,  60  feet  long,  and  40  broad,  two  stories  in 
front,  and  three  in  the  rear,  and  at  the  ends ;  having  in  the 
lower  story,  a  work-room,  kitchen,  cellar,  and  dungeon;  in  the 
second,  two  rooms  for  the  steward,  a  victualling  room,  and  a 
room  to  be  used  as  occasion  requires  ;  in  the  third,  thirteen 
lodging  rooms,  four  with  fire-places;  having  also  a  garret,  suf- 
ficiently large  for  twenty  lodging-rooms.  This  establishment 
cost  $8755;  viz.  the  ground,  two  and  a  half  acres,  $  800  ;  the 
alms-house,  including  wood-house,  fences,  &c.  $  7G55  ;  and  the 
furniture  $300.  It  was  occupied  by  the  poor  in  May  1814,  and 
their  expense  for  the  twelve  months  following,  was  $1447  70. 
The  town  expended  that  year  for  the  poor,  who  were  not  at  the 
alms-house,  about  $  175  more,  making  the  amount  already  given. 
The  expenses  of  the  poor  the  year  preceding,  were  $  3465  68. 
If  we  add  to  the  expense  of  1814,  $525  30,  for  interest  on  the 
cost  of  the  establishment,  making  a  total  of  $2148;  the  clear 
saving  to  the  town  that  year  from  the  alms-house,  exceeded 
$  1300:  and  the  poor,  it  is  said,  had  a  degree  of  comfort,  br •- 
fore  unknown  to  them. 

But  as  it  is  easier  to  prevent,  than  to  remedy  evils,  the 


Introductory  and  General  Observations*  25 

of  the  community  ought  to  be  specially  directed  to  the  preven- 
tion of  pauperism.  To  this  end,  all  children,  those  of  the  high- 
er as  well  as  of  the  lower  classes  of  society,  should  be  trained 
up  to  regular  industry,  economy,  and  temperance.  These 
things  should  be  taught  in  the  family  and  in  the  sanctuary,  as 
absolutely  required  by  God ;  and  the  mischiefs  and  guilt  of  the 
contrary  vices,  should  be  constantly  exposed,  together  with  all 
the  means  by  which  they  may  be  produced.  Those  who  are  in 
circumstances  to  employ  such  as  are  dependent  upon  their  daily 
earnings  for  support,  should  be  ever  ready  to  furnish  them  with 
business.  By  these  means,  if  pauperism  would  not  entirely 
cease,  it  would  be  greatly  lessened ;  the  poor  would  generally 
find  some  among  their  immediate  relatives,  to  provide  for  them, 
so  that  the  community  would  not  be  charged  ;  and  to  the  few  in- 
dividuals, who  after  all,  by  the  mere  sovereign  disposal  of  God, 
might  be  poor  and  destitute,  it  would  be  rather  a  privilege  than 
a  burden,  for  a  virtuous  community,  to  extend  relief. 

The  number  of  blacks  in  this  county  is  very  small.  In  1756 
there  were  384,  in  1774,  441,  in  1810  probably  a  few  more.  They 
are>almost  universally  free.  Some  of  them  possess  good  moral  cha- 
racters, and  are  laborious  and  faithful,  when  employed  by  others, 
but  have  little  skill  in  setting  themselves  to  work,  and  in  husband- 
ing their  earnings  ;  while  a  very  considerable  proportion  are  ad- 
dicted to  low  vices.  The  obvious  reasons  for  their  general  de- 
gradation are,  that  their  education  is  much  neglected ;  that  their 
companions  are  the  low  and  vicious,  the  only  class  among  the 
whites,  who  are  willing  to  consort  with  them ;  and  that  the 
temptations  to  iniquity,  are  suffered  to  operate  upon  them  with  the 
greptcst  force. 

Owing  principally  to  the  purity  of  the  air,  and  the  purity  of 
(he  water,  Middlesex  is  remarkably  healthy. 

Such  diseases  as  are  incident  to  children,  and  such  as  have 
had  a  general  spread  in  the  State  and  Country,  have  oftentimes 
prevailed.  But  in  no  instance,  has  a  mortal  sickness  extended 
through  the  county,  and  the  instances  have  been  comparatively 
rare,  in  which  a  mortal  sickness  has  extended  generally,  through 
any  considerable  section  of  it.  In  the  "  Life  of  David  Brainerd," 
a  mortal  sickness  is  said  to  have  prevailed  in  Haddam,  in  1732, 
but  what  it  was  is  not  stated,  nor  how  many  were  removed  by  it. 
The  dysentery  which  is  much  the  most  common  disorder  in  the 
fall  season,  prevailed  in  that  town  in  1758,  and  in  a  part  of  it  in 
180C  ;  it  appeared  in  Middletown  Upper-Houses  in  1742  ;  thirtv 
or  forty  died  with  it  in  the  neighbourhood  near  Chatham  quarry 
about  1758  ;  it  was  on  Haddam  Neck  in  1766  ;  in  East-Haddam 
in  1775  and  6.  as  an  attendant  of  the  throat  distemper,  and  about 
ihe  «ame  time  in  Durham  ;  in  Say  brook  in  1805.  A  fever,  com- 


26  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 

monly  termed  the  long-fever,  prevailed  in  North-Kill  ing  worth  in 
1751  and  2.  The  scarlet  fever  was  in  that  society  in  1784.  This 
made  its  appearance  atone  period  in  Durham.  In  1796  the 
yellow  fever  was  brought  from  the  West  Indies  to  Knowlcs's  Land- 
ing, of  which  eight  persons  died.  The  most  common  fever  with 
us  for  some  years  past,  has  been  the  typhus  fever.  This  has  been 
most  malignant  in  Middletown  Upper-Houses,  in  Haddam,  East- 
Haddam  Landing,  Pautopoug  Point,  and  Durham.  Consumptions 
are  thought  to  be  more  common  with  us  now,  than  formerly. 

About  1761,  a  large  miry  marsh,  in  the  northeast  part  of 
Middle-Haddam,  was  overflowed.  The  water  became  so  putrid 
the  year  following  as  to  kill  the  creatures  which  were  in  it.  Is 
produced  a  sickness  among  the  inhabitants  for  a  mile  or  more 
about  it,  which  was  called  from  its  origin  the  pond  fever,  Ot 
this,  some  died,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  were  so  alarmed, 
that  the  authority  were  under  the  necessity  of  pressing  indivi- 
duals, to  go  and  take  care  of  the  sick. 

Respecting  "  remarkable  instances  of  diseases  and  mortality 
among  animals,"  I  can  give  no  information  but  what  is  contained 
in  the  following  extract  from  a  letter  written  in  East-Haddam, 
and  published  in  New- York,  in  the  7th  volume  of  the  Medical 
Repository.  "For  10  or  12  years  prior  to  1797,"  says  the 
writer,  "  a  disease  prevailed  among  cattle  in  East-Haddam,  and 
in  the  neighboring  places  to  a  great  extent,  vulgarly  called  a 
mortification.  It  was  most  destructive  to  cattle  under  three 
years;  sometimes  attacking  cows  over  that  period,  but  never 
oxen.  Calves  were  most  generally  destroyed  by  it  in  autumn, 
and  yearlings  in  May  and  June.  Its  commencement  was  indicated 
by  a  sudden  listlessness,  numbness,  and  disposition  to  rest,  at- 
tended with  small  soft  swellings  on  the  legs,  shoulders,  flank, 
side,  but  more  usually  in  the  back  near  the  kidneys,  and  it  produc- 
ed death  with  feeble  expressions  of  pain,  within  6,  12,  and  24 
hours.  Immediately  upon  death,  the  carcass  became  intolera- 
bly offensive,  so  that  the  hide  was  often  left  to  rot  with  it :  where 
it  was  taken  off,  the  swellings  were  found  to  consist  of  jelly,  and 
black  blood.  After  tanning,  the  hide  was  often  rotten  over  the 
swellings,  and  holes  were  made  of  their  size  and  dimensions." 

The  cause  of  this  disease  was  never  satisfactorily  ascertained, 
and  the  remedies  which  were  applied,  rarely  if  ever  succeeded. 

From  all  the  parishes  in  Middlesex,  registers  of  deaths  havr 
been  received,  excepting  the  first  and  fourth  parishes  of  Mid- 
dletown. In  the  latter,  no  register  has  been  kept,  and  in  the 
former,  none  for  the  whole  population.  But  going  upon  the  sup- 
position, (which  cannot  be  far  from  correct,)  that  the  proportion 
of  deaths  to  the  number  of  inhabitants,  is  the  same  in  these  parish- 
es, as  in  other  parts  of  the  county  ;  the  number  of  deaths  yearly,  in 


Introductory  and  General  Observations*  27 

Middlesex,  from  Jan.  1,  1805,  to  Jan.  1,  1815,  will  be,  omitting 
fractions,  261.  The  average  population  of  the  county  for  this 
term,  may  be  put  at  20,723,  as  that  was  the  actual  population  at 
the  census  in  1810.  The  proportion  of  deaths  annually  there- 
fore, is  not  quite  at  the  rate  of  one  to  eighty  souls.  See  note  Q. 

Twelve  persons  in  this  county  have  arrived  to  one  hundred 
years  of  age,  according  to  information  communicated  to  me,  and 
there  may  have  been  others  as  aged  of  whom  I  have  not  heard.  A 
black  woman  died  in  Durham,  at  the  age  of  1 13  years,  or  as  some 
supposed  118.  She  was  grown  up  before  she  was  brought 
from  Africa,  and  was  a  slave  in  this  country  95  years.  Of  310 
persons,  who  died  in  Haddam  society,  from  1805  to  1815,  31  ar- 
rived to  80  years  ;  of  520,  who  died  in  Middle-Haddam,  from 
1785  to  1815,  116  arrived  to  70  years. 

Those  who  have  lived  to  a  great  age,  so  far  as  my  observa- 
tion and  inquiries  have  extended,  have  been  persons  of  regular 
and  steady  habits. 

A  few  weeks  after  the  arrival  of  the  English  at  Saybrook-Point 
in  1635,  cold  weather  commenced.  Connecticut  river  was  frozen 
over,  by  the  middle  of  November,  and  the  winter  following,  was 
uncommonly  severe  and  tempestuous.  As  the  people  had  had 
little  opportunity  to  provide  themselves  accommodations,  their 
hardships  were  great;  and  their  brethren  in  Hartford  county, 
only  survived  the  season.  The  winters  of  1637 — 8  and  of 
1641 — 2,  were  also  very  severe.  In  the  former,  the  inhabitants, 
who  had  been  able  to  subdue  but  little  land,  and  who  had  ob- 
tained but  small  importations  from  abroad,  secured  themselves 
from  extreme  suffering,  by  purchasing  corn  from  the  Indians. 
Before  tiie  occurrence  of  the  latter,  considerable  tracts  were  cul- 
tivated. But  the  summer  immediately  following  it,  was  so  wet 
and  cold,  that  little  corn  was  raised,  and  English  grain  was  de- 
stroyed by  multitudes  of  pigeons  in  the  field,  and  of  mice  in  the 
barn.  Before  another  harvest,  many  families  were  destitute  of 
bread,  and  were  compelled  to  live  on  fish  and  clams.  The  win- 
ter of  1696 — 7,  was  as  severe  as  either  of  the  preceding,  but  no 
special  calamities  are  known  to  have  been  experienced.  On 
the  17th  of  February,  1717,  the  greatest  snow  fell,  ever  known 
in  this  country,  attended  by  a  dreadful  tempest.  This  has  been 
related  by  fathers  to  sons  ever  since,  and  is  still  referred  to  as 
the  great  snow.  It  covered  the  doors  of  houses,  so  that  the  in- 
habitants were  obliged  to  get  out  at  the  chamber  windows,  and 
buried  and  destroyed  many  sheep.  The  winters  of  1737 — 8,  of 
1740 — 41,  and  particularly  of  1779 — 80,  were  uncommonly  cold. 
A  deep  snow  fell  in  Oct.  1781,  which  remained  till  the  following 
April. 


IB  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 

In  July  1779,  about  the  time  of  rye  harvest,  a  storm  of  hail 
passed  through  the  center  of  Chatham,  destroying  all  the  grain 
in  its  course,  breaking  the  windows  of  houses,  and  leaving  marks 
of  violence  on  buildings  and  fences,  which  could  be  distinctly 
traced  more  than  twelve  months  afterwards.  The  hail  appear- 
ed to  be  broken  ice,  and  many  of  the  stones  were  half  the  size  of 
a  hen's  egg. 

In  the  latter  part  of  February  1 802,  a  snow  fell,  four  feet 
deep.  On  the  8th  of  May  1803,  a  snow  fell,  sufficiently  deep 
for  sleighing,  in  some  parts  of  Connecticut.  Apple  trees  were  in 
blossom,  and  their  twigs  were  frozen  as  in  the  winter :  notwith- 
standing which  there  was  a  tolerable  supply  of  apples  that  sea- 
son. In  a  violent  snow  storm,  which  happened  in  the  month  of 
December  1811,  many  vessels  were  driven  on  shore,  on  the  north- 
ern coast  of  Long-Island. 

The  wettest  season,  within  the  memory  of  the  present  genera- 
tion, was  in  the  summer  and  fall  of  1795,  when  it  rained  more 
or  less  for  35  days  out  of  50. 

The  most  dreadful  storm,  since  the  settlement  of  Connecticut, 
occurred  on  the  22d  of  September,  1815.  The  wind  was  eas- 
terly in  the  morning,  but  soon  shifted  into  the  south,  and  blew  a 
gale,  or  rather  a  hurricane.  It  brought  in  such  a  tide,  that 
in  some  cases  bridges  near  the  Sound  were  removed.  It  pros- 
trated fruit  and  forest  trees  in  vast  numbers,  particularly  in  Say- 
brook  and  East-Haddam  ;  and  farther  eastward,  in  Connecticut 
and  Rhode-Island,  did  immense  damage  to  shipping.  When  the 
wind  lulled,  the  air  was  hot  and  suffocating  ;  and  the  rain,  which 
fell  at  times  in  torrents,  was  so  salt,  that  the  leaves  of  many  trees 
shrunk  under  its  influence. 

The  spring,  summer  and  autumn  of  1816,  were  unusually  cold 
and  dry.  Frosts  occurred  every  month  ;  and  though  English 
grain  was  good,  there  was  not  more  than  half  the  common  quan- 
tity of  hay,  pastures  were  dried  up,  corn,  which  had  been  back- 
ward through  the  summer,  was  almost  wholly  ruined  by  frosts  in 
the  fall,  and  potatoes  were  much  injured.  People  were  unable 
to  fat  their  beef  and  pork.  Hence  there  was  a  greater  scarcity 
of  provisions  the  following  winter  and  spring,  than  in  any  pe- 
riod since  my  remembrance. 

The  canker  worm  used  to  be  very  mischievous  to  apple  trees 
in  Middlesex,  as  well  as  in  other  parts  of  the  country.  To  pre- 
vent their  ravages,  people  were  in  the  habit  of  tarring  the  bodies 
of  the  trees  daily,  during  the  time  in  which  the  millers  ascend 
from  the  ground.  But  a  hard  frost,  which  took  place  about  the 
20th  of  May,  1795,  was  supposed  to  have  completely  destroyed 
them.  They  were  scarcely  seen  for  several  years  afterwards. 
But  in  1 808  they  became  numerous,  and  did  much  mischief. 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  29 

The  Hessian  fly  has  been  rarely  noticed,  for  ten  or  fifteen 
years. 

In  1817,  ia  the  spring  and  early  part  of  summer,  gardens  were 
extensively  injured  by  a  small  black  worm,  commonly  called  the 
cut- worm. 

A  sketch  of  distinguished  characters,  will  appear  in  the  ac- 
count of  the  towns. 

The  first  settlers  of  this  county,  in  common  with  the  first  set- 
tlers of  New-England,  were  strict  in  their  religious  principles 
and  practices.  Attentive,  as  has  been  stated,  to  public  and  fa- 
mily worship,  they  caused  their  religion  to  appear  in  all  theiy 
conduct.  They  were  also  distinguished  by  some  customs,  which 
owed  their  existence,  either  to  their  particular  religious  senti- 
ments, or  to  the  circumstances  in  which  they  were  placed. 

United  together  for  the  purpose  of  enjoying  the  ordinances  of 
the  Lord,  as  they  believed  them  to  be  taught  in  the  Scriptures, 
and  exposed  to  the  same  enemies  and  dangers,  they  settled  in 
bodies,  and  abounded  in  mutual  affections,  and  kind  offices.  A 
man  of  common  standing,  they  called  good-man,  while  the  title 
of  sir,  was  given  to  magistrates,  ministers,  and  men  of  liberal 
education. 

As  they  scrupled  the  lawfulness  of  calling  the  days  of  the  week 
by  names,  derived  from  the  idolatrous  practices  oif  the  heathen, 
they  always  stiled  the  first  day  of  the  week,  the  Sabbath,  or 
Lord's  day,  and  distinguished  the  other  days  of  the  week  by 
numbers.  For  the  same  reason,  they  frequently  numbered  the 
months  of  the  year.  They  began  the  year  on  the  26th  of  March, 
according,  as  they  supposed,  to  the  direction  of  the  Bible,  and 
thus  introduced  the  custom  of  double-dating,  which  appears  in 
our  ancient  records. 

Exposed  constantly  to  attacks  from  the  Indians,  they  were 
careful  to  acquire  the  use  of  arms.  They  spent  six,  and  some- 
times more  days  annually,  in  military  exercise.  In  plantations 
where  there  were  100  soldiers,  20  were  required  to  serve  on 
guard,  on  the  Sabbath,  and  on  other  days  of  public  worship,  and 
in  no  plantation  less  than  8  with  a  sergeant :  in  times  of  war 
and  special  danger,  guards  were  constantly  kept  in  every  town, 
and  in  some  instances,  several  in  the  same  town.  The  practice, 
of  keeping  guard,  on  seasons  of  public  worship,  continued  till 
May,  1714,  when  the  towns  were  excused  from  it  by  statute,  ex- 
cept in  time  of  war. 

This  practice,  probably  produced  the  custom  of  assembling 
people  for  public  worship,  by  the  beat  of  the  drum,  which  pre- 
vailed for  a  time  in  Middletown,  Haddam,  Saybrook,  Killing- 
worth  and  Durham.  Whether  it  was  ever  introduced  into 
Chatham  and  East-Haddam,  is  unknown. 


.50  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  j 

The  circumstances  of  our  ancestors  were  exceedingly  slrau 
ened.  They  had  sacrificed  a  large  portion  of  their  property  by 
removing  to  America ;  were  unacquainted  with  the  business  of 
subduing  a  wilderness;  had  no  commerce,  and  scarcely  any 
means  for  acquiring  property.  In  the  mean  time,  their  fami- 
lies were  to  be  supported,  their  children  educated,  and  the  in- 
stitutions of  the  Gospel  established  and  maintained  ;  and  these 
things  were  to  be  done,  in  the  midst  of  enemies,  whose  motions 
they  were  obliged  perpetually  to  watch,  and  against  whose  ap- 
prehended attacks,  they  were  obliged  to  provide  the  means  of 
defence.  Necessity  therefore,  compelled  them  to  the  most  rigid 
economy.  Every  thing  about  them,  wore  the  marks  of  simplici- 
ty. Their  houses  were  constructed  in  the  plainest  manner,  their 
furniture  consisted  of  a  few  indispensable  articles,  their  dress 
was  made  of  coarse  cloths,  wrought  in  the  family,  and  their  ta- 
bles were  spread  with  the  homeliest  fare.  Scarcely  an  article 
of  luxury  was  used  in  Connecticut,  for  a  century  after  the  Eng- 
lish settlements  began ;  and  very  few  articles  were  introduced 
for  a  considerable  period  afterwards. 

But  the  trials  of  the  early  inhabitants  were  sanctified  to  them  ; 
and  conspired  to  the  production  of  that  simplicity  of  manners, 
and  that  Godly  living,  by  which  they  were  characterized. 

As  the  circumstances  of  their  descendants  gradually  improved, 
they  gradually  departed  from  their  examples.  They  did  not  in- 
deed neglect  the  institutions  and  forms  of  religion,  but  the  power 
of  Godliness  was  diminished.  Antecedently  to  the  great  revi- 
vals, about  1740,  the  churches,  very  generally,  had  sunk  into  a 
lukewarm  state.  By  those  revivals,  some  of  the  Middlesex 
churches  were  visited  and  refreshed,  and  the  things  of  religion 
became  the  subjects  of  general  conversation  and  inquiry.  But 
a  declension  soon  succeeded ;  which  remained,  with  temporary 
and  partial  interruptions,  till  the  close  of  the  last  century.  The 
revolutionary  war,  occurring  during  this  period,  gave  a  shock  to 
the  moral  habits  of  the  people,  from  which  they  have  not  yet. 
wholly  recovered.  From  that  time  to  the  present,  an  unusual 
number  have  indulged  in  sabbath-breaking,  profaneness  and 
intemperance.  At  the  same  time,  there  is  no  reason  to  believe, 
that  these  shameful  vices  are  now  increasing.  By  recent  out- 
pourings of  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  by  the  efforts  of  the  virtuous, 
they  have  been  evidently  checked  ;  and  taking  a  general  view  of 
the  community,  it  is  matter  of  joy  and  gratitude,  that  piety  and 
virtue  are  advancing.  While  very  many  have  become,  in  the 
course  of  twenty  years,  the  hopeful  subjects  of  grace,  others 
have  been  led  to  think  favorably  of  religion.  Our  churches 
are  in  most  instances  well  filled  on  the  Sabbath ;  and  the  taste 
and  reading  of  the  inhabitants  generally,  are  assuming  a  more 
serious  character. 


Introductory  and  General  Observations.  -31 

Boxing  and  horse-racing,  which  were  once,  not  infrequent 
amusements  in  Middlesex,  have  entirely  ceased.  Gambling  is 
rarely  practised ;  and  the  votaries  of  dancing  are  less  numerous 
and  less  zealous,  than  they  were  twenty  years  ago. 

In  addition  to  the  libraries  of  professional  characters  and  of 
private  gentlemen,  we  have  now  in  Middlesex,  22  public  libra- 
ries, containing  in  all,  about  3,500  volumes.  Most  of,  these  are 
books  of  value.  See  -note  R. 

In  most  of  our  parishes,  are  charitable  associations ;  many  of 
which  are  formed  by  benevolent  and  pious  females. 

The  only  society  which  extends  through  the  county,  is  a  Bible 
Society,  formed  in  November  last,  auxiliary  to  the  American 
Bible  Society.  What  this  will  accomplish,  is  unknown,  but  its 
prospects  are  flattering. 


STATISTICAL   ACCOUNT 


TOWN  OF  MIDDLETOWN. 


THIS  Town  is  bounded  by  Haddarn  and  Durham  on  the  south, 
by  Meriden  and  Berlin  on  the  west,  by  Weathersfield  on  the 
north,  and  by  Connecticut  river  on  the  east.  It  formerly  extend- 
ed across  the  river,  and  included  the  town  of  Chatham.  Its 
length  north  and  south,  is  about  nine  miles,  and  its  breadth  from 
Weathersfield  line  to  Middletown  city,  is  four  and  five  miles, 
thence  it  suddenly  increases,  by  reason  of  a  bend  in  the  river,  to 
ten  miles.  Its  area  cannot  be  accurately  calculated,  but  will  not 
vary  greatly,  from  43,520  acres. 

It  embraces  four  parishes,  viz.  Middletown,  Upper-Houses, 
Middlefield  and  Westfield  parishes,  the  three  last  of  which, 
appear  to  have  derived  their  names,  from  their  relation  to  the 
first. 

As  early  as  March  1650,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  explore 
the  lands  in  Mattabesett,  the  Indian  name  by  which  this  town 
was  called,  and  report  what  advantages  they  would  afford  for  a 
plantation.  The  committee  reported  that  subsistence  might  be 
procured  in  them  for  fifteen  families ;  a  fact,  which  shows  what 
imperfect  ideas  the  first  settlers  of  Connecticut  had,  of  the  pro- 
ductiveness and  value  of  the  soil.  In  the  course  of  that  year  a 
settlement  commenced  upon  them,  near  the  Connecticut,  to  the 
north  and  south  of  Little  river.  A  larger  number  of  families 
than  the  committee  contemplated  was  soon  in  the  town,  who  were 
invested  with  town  privileges  in  September  of  the  succeeding 
year.  In  November  1653,  the  place  was  called  Middletown. 
The  number  of  taxable  persons  the  year  after,  was  thirty-one, 
and  there  were  probably  about  as  many  families.  From  these, 
others  were  formed,  or  moved  in  from  other  places,  and  in  1670. 
the  number  of  families  was  fifty-two. 


Town  of  Middletown.  J-.i 

Though  these  had  become  inhabitants  at  different  periods,  it 
was  agreed  that  all  who  were  householders  this  year,  should  be 
considered  as  proprietors,  and  that  after  laying  out  a  large  com- 
mon and  a  hundred  and  fifty  acres  for  a  parsonage,  the  undivided 
lands  should  be  laid  out  according  to  their  lists.  According  to 
this  agreement,  all  undivided  lands,  which  then  belonged  to  them, 
were  laid  out  afterwards. 

As  a  large  proportion  of  the  present  inhabitants  of  Middle- 
town,  are  descendants  of  those  who  were  householders,  in  1670, 
it  may  not  be  unsuitable  to  give  their  names  in  this  work  5  noting 
with  an  asterisk  the  few  names  which  have  become  extinct. 
These  were  as  follows,  viz.  Nathaniel  Bacon,  William  Cornwell, 
John  Cornwell,  Samuel  Cornwell,  William  Cornwell,  Jun.,  John 
Hall,  Richard  Hall,  John  Hall,  Jun.,  Samuel  Halt  and  Giles  Ham- 
lin,  from  England;  David  Sage  and  Thomas  Wetmore,  from 
Wales ;  Thomas  Ranney,  from  Scotland ;  Alexander  Bow,  George 
Hubbard,  Joseph  Hubbard,  Daniel  Hubbard,  Thomas  Hubbard, 
Anthony  Martin,  John  Savage,  Samuel  Stocking,  Samuel  White, 
Thomas  Willcox  and  John  Willcox,  from  Hartford  ;  Thomas  Al- 
len, Obadiah  Allen,  William  Lucas,  Andrew  Warner,  Robert  War- 
ner and  John  Warner,  supposed  to  have  been  from  Windsor ;  John 
Kirby,  Daniel  Harris  and  William  Harris,  said  to  have  been  from 
Boston  ;  Nathaniel  Collins  and  Samuel  Collins,  from  Cambridge  ; 
Thomas  Miller,  John  Ward  and  William  Ward,  from  Rowley  ;  Sa- 
muel Stow,  Thomas  Stow  and  John  Stow,  from  Concord ;  Isaac 
Johnson,  from  Roxbury ;  William  Briggs*,  William  Cheney,  Jaf- 
fres  Clements*,  Honory  Coll*,  George  Durant*,  Samuel  Eggles- 
ton,  Edward  Foster,  Isaac  Lane*,  James  Tappen*,  and  Edward 
Turner. 

In  this  list,  the  name  of  Robert  Webster,  Esq.  who  was  an 
early  and  principal  settler  does  not  appear.  He  probably  de- 
ceased or  moved  away  before  1 670,  and  the  same  may  have  been 
true  of  some  other  settlers. 

Most  of  the  above  named  persons,  settled  within  the  limits  of 
the  first  society  of  Middletown,  and  a  large  portion  of  them  within 
the  limits  of  the  city.  Those,  by  the  name  of  Kirby,  Martin. 
Ranney,  Sage,  Savage,  Stocking,  White  and  Willcox,  and  per- 
haps some  others,  settled  in  the  Upper-Houses. 

The  inhabitants  within  the  first  society,  gradually  extended 
themselves  down  into  the  South- Farms,  and  afterwards  into  Mo- 
romos.  They  were  early  joined  by  the  ancestors  of  the  Browns. 
Gills,  Phillipses,  Rockwells,  Southmayds,  Starrs,  and  Sumners ; 
as  they  were  in  succeeding  periods,  by  the  ancestors  of  the 
McGills,  Meigses,  Treadways,  &c. 

The  people  in  the  Upper-Houses,  were  joined  by  the  ancos 
fors  of  the  Shepherds,  and  of  some  other  families. 


34  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 

The  settlement,  within  the  parish  of  Middlefield,  began  about 
1700.  The  earliest  settlers  there,  were  Samuel  Allen,  Benja- 
min Miller  and  Samuel  Wetmore,  who  removed  from  the  first 
society.  With  these,  persons  soon  united,  by  the  name  of  Ba- 
con, Hubbard,  Stow,  Turner  and  Ward,  from  the  same  society  ; 
by  the  name  of  Camp,  Coe  and  Lyman,  from  Durham  ;  of  Bird- 
sey,  from  Stratford ;  of  Bartlett,  from  Guilford ;  and  also  per- 
sons by  the  name  of  Chilson  and  Hale. 

The  first  white  inhabitant  of  Westfield,  was  Edward  Higby 
a.  native  of  Long-Island,  who  settled  about  1720,  at  the  foot  of 
that  bluff,  which  from  him  is  called  Higby  Mountain.  He  de- 
ceased in  November  1775,  aged  about  90.  The  other  early 
settlers,  were  Benjamin  Atkins,  Benjamin  Bacon,  Nathan- 
iel Bacon,  John  Bacon,  Joseph  Bacon,  Joseph  Cornwell, 
Joseph  Doolittle,  Samuel  Plumbe  and  Daniel  Roberts,  from 
the  first  society ;  John  Warner,  Israel  Willcox,  John  Will- 
cox  and  Jeremiah  Willcox,  from  the  Upper-Houses ;  Joseph 
Clark,  a  native  of  West-Haven ;  Nathaniel  Churchell  from 
Wcathersfield ;  Edward  Boardman  and  Josiah  Boardman,  from 
Glastenbury ;  David  Dowd,  Richard  Dowd,  Joseph  Graves  and 
Asahel  Dudley,  from  Guilford. 

In  January  1689,  the  Legislature  of  Connecticut,  granted  to 
the  towns  of  Middletown,  Weathersfield,  and  Farmington,  all  the 
vacant  lands  between  their  bounds,  and  the  bounds  of  Walling- 
ford,  (which  then  included  the  towns  of  Cheshire  and  Meriden,) 
for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a  new  plantation.  This  grant 
covered  the  tract  generally,  now  constituting  the  town  of  Berlin, 
which  was  incorporated  in  May  1785.  In  the  south-eastern  sec- 
tion of  this  tract,  some  families  from  Middletown  settled,  by  the 
name  of  Sage,  Savage  and  Willcox,  about  the  commencement  of 
the  last  century.  These,  with  others,  belonged  to  the  town  of 
Middletown,  until  the  incorporation  just  mentioned. 

A  portion  of  the  lands  in  Middletown,  were  given  by  Sowheag. 
the  great  sachem  of  Mattabesett,  to  John  Haynes,  for  sometime 
governor  of  Connecticut,  probably  before  any  settlement  was 
made  in  the  town.  On  the  24lh  of  January  1662,  Sepunnemo 
and  other  chiefs,  knowing  the  gift  of  Sowheag  to  Mr.  Haynes, 
sold  to  Samuel  Wyllys  and  others,  doubtless  as  agents  of  the  co- 
lony or  town,  all  the  remaining  lands  in  Middletown,  including 
Chatham,  extending  six  miles  east  of  the  river,  and  as  far  west 
as  the  Court  had  granted  the  bounds  of  the  town  ;  excepting  300 
acres,  which  they  reserved  for  the  heirs  of  Sowheag  and  Matta- 
besett Indians,  to  be  laid  out  on  the  east  of  the  river ;  and  a  tract 
on  the  west  side,  previously  laid  out  for  Sawscan,  to  remain  for 
his  heirs  for  ever. 

Tho  resrwation  on  the  east  side  of  ihc  rivrr.  will  'un  noticed 


Tozvn  of  Middletown.  35 

in  the  account  of  Chatham.  The  other  reservation,  appears  to 
have  been  in  the  neighbourhood,  now  called  Newfield,  where  the 
Indians  held  lands  as  late  as  1713. 

On  the  line  between  this  neighbourhood  and  Staddle-Hill, 
they  had  a  grave  yard.  Their  bones  also  have  been  found,  in 
the  south-eastern  part  of  the  Upper-Houses,  on  the  bank  of  the 
Connecticut. 

Sowheag,  just  mentioned,  was  a  powerful  sachem.  He  had 
his  castle  on  the  high  ground,  in  the  west  part  of  what  is  now  the 
city  of  Middletown,  still  called  from  this  circumstance,  Indian 
Hill ;  where  he  was  able,  by  means  of  his  whistle,  to  call  around 
him  many  warriors,  whose  wigwam's  were  thick  on  both  sides  of 
the  Connecticut  eastward.  His  dominion  extended  not  only 
over  these,  and  other  Indians  in  Middletown  and  Chatham,  but 
over  the  Piquag,  or  Weathersfield  Indians,  whose  sagamore,  Se- 
quin, was  subject  to  him  :  and  as  a  part  of  the  original  township 
of  New-Haven,  was  purchased  of  Montowese,  Sowheag's  son,  it 
is  probable,  that  his  dominion  embraced  some  of  the  Indians  in 
that  town. 

Although  Sowheag  had  given  lands  to  Governor  Haynes,  as 
has  been  related,  and  had  thereby  conferred  an  obligation  upon 
the  English  ;  he  afterwards  showed  himself  to  be  a  base  and 
treacherous  man.  In  April  1637,  some  of  his  Indians  at  Weath- 
ersfield, conducted  and  aided  the  Pequots,  as  appeared  af- 
terwards, in  the  incursion  which  they  made  into  that  town,  where 
they  killed  six  men  as  they  were  going  into  the  field,  and  three 
women,  and  took  two  maids  captive.  Sowheag  entertained  the 
murderers,  and  treated  the  people  of  Weathersfield  in  a  haughty 
and  insulting  manner.  It  seems  that  the  people  of  Weathersfield, 
had  previously  offered  him  some  provocation.  On  hearing  of 
their  differences  therefore,  the  General  Court  were  disposed  to 
forgive  him,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  compromise  all  dif- 
ferences with  him.  But  he  wholly  refused  to  give  up  the  mur- 
derers, and  continued  his  outrages  against  the  English.  The 
Court  therefore,  in  August  1639,  determined  to  send  one  hundred 
men  to  Mattabesett,  and  take  the  delinquents  by  force.  They 
notified  their  friends  at  New-Haven  of  their  determination,  both 
that  they  might  receive  their  approbation,  in  an  enterprize  of 
such  general  concern,  and  that  they  might  make  the  necessary 
arrangements,  for  defending  their  own  plantations.  Governor 
Eaton  and  his  Council  viewed  it  important,  that  the  murderers 
should  be  brought  to  punishment;  but  in  existing  circumstances, 
deemed  the  measure  proposed  for  doing  it  inexpedient,  and  dis- 
suaded the  Connecticut  Colony  from  pursuing  it. 

In  addition  to  the  Strait-Hills,  which  cross  the  south-eastern 
>cetion  of  this  town,  and  Wallingford  Mountains  on  its  westerR 


36  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 

border,  described  in  the  introductory  observations,  there  are 
several  hills  of  some  note.  Indian  Hill  has  been  already  men- 
tioned. South  from  this,  high  elevated  grounds  extend  to  the 
borders  of  Durham,  which,  taken  collectively,  are  called  Long- 
Hill.  In  the  Upper-Houses,  is  Prospect-Hill,  thus  named,  from 
the  fine  view  which  it  affords  of  the  surrounding  country  ;  par- 
ticularly of  the  windings  of  Connecticut  river,  of  the  city  of  Mid- 
dletown,  and  of  the  north-western  portion  of  Chatham.  In  the 
back  parts  of  the  town,  are  Staddle-Hill,  Three-mile-Hill,  Pow- 
der-Hill, and  some  others. 

These  hills,  in  general,  are  capable  of  cultivation.  The  in- 
terval and  level  lands  throughout  the  township,  are  good,  ami 
some  of  them  excellent. 

There  are  two  streams  in  Middletown,  deserving  particular 
notice,  viz.  Little  river,  and  Sumner's  creek. 

The  former  and  larger  of  these  streams,  is  sometimes  called 
Ferry  river,  in  the  ancient  records  of  the  town,  because  a  ferry 
was  kept  for  a  long  period  near  its  mouth,  on  the  road  from  the 
city  to  the  Upper-Houses. 

The  largest  branch  of  this  river,  more  appropriately  called 
Little  river,  rises  in  Farmington  Mountain,  passes  through  Ber- 
lin, and  enters  Middletown  at  the  northwest,  where  it  receives  a 
small  mill-stream  from  Weslfield  parish. 

The  only  other  considerable  branch  rises  in  a  spring,  eight  or  ten 
rods  in  circumference,  at  the  foot  of  Bluff-Head,  the  eastern-most 
point  of  Totoket  or  Branford  Mountain,  a  little  north  of  the 
source  of  a  river,  which  runs  southerly  into  the  Sound.  It  takes 
a  course  nearly  north,  runs  through  Durham,  the  parish  of  Mid- 
dlefield,  and  the  west  part  of  the  first  society,  where  it  assumes 
the  name  of  West  river,  and  forms  a  junction  with  Little  river, 
about  a  mile  from  its  mouth.  This  has  a  fall  in  Middlefield  of 
30  feet,  and  it  furnishes  a  number  of  excellent  mill-seals. 

A  much  more  interesting  fall  is  on  the  small  mill-stream  in 
Westfield,  just  mentioned.  This  runs  on  high  ground  till  it 
arrives  to  about  the  center  of  the  society,  where  it  falls  down  a 
rocky  excavation  which  it  has  formed,  GO  or  70  feet,  in  the 
course  of  a  few  rods.  The  scenery  was  formerly  much  more 
romantic,  by  reason  of  lofty  pines  and  evergreens  which  stoou 
beside  the  fall. 

On  this  river,  principally  within  the  Upper-Houses,  is  a 
large  meadow  and  swamp,  overflowed  in  times  of  freshet. 

Sumner's  creek,  like  Little  river,  has  two  considerable  branches, 
Miller's  brook,  and  Pameacha  river,  both  of  which  are  important 
mill-streams. 

Miller's  brook  rises  in  Miller's  pond,  in  the  northeast  corner 
of  Durham,  pursues  a  northerly  course,  till  it  strikes  Pamea- 


Town  of  jMiddlelown.  tj 

cha  river,  where  it  turns  eastward,  runs  a  small  distance,  and 
empties  into  the  Connecticut.  On  this  brook  Mr.  Thomas  Mil- 
ler erected  a  corn-mill  for  the  use  of  the  town  in  1665,  which  is 
doubtless  the  reason  of  its  being  called  Miller's  brook. 

Pameacha  river  has  its  sources,  in  hills  near  the  borders  oi' 
Durham,  runs  also  northerly,  till  it  strikes  Warwick's  brook,  where 
it  turns  eastward,  and  passes  on  between  high  rocky  banks,  to 
the  other  branch. 

Shad  and  small  fish  are  taken  in  considerable  quantities,  at 
the  mouth  of  Little  river.  The  fishery  in  Sumner's  creek  was 
formerly  so  important,  that  an  act  was  passed  by  the  Legislature 
in  1726  for  regulating  it. 

At  the  bottom  of  Prospect-Hill,  west  of  Middlesex  turnpike,  is 
a  chalybeate  spring.  This  has  been  known,  and  occasionally 
visited,  for  many  years.  About  1810,  a  bathing-house  was  erect- 
ed near  it,  and  it  became  a  place  of  considerable  resort  for  peo- 
ple in  the  vicinity,  for  one  or  two  seasons  ;  but  it  is  now  gene- 
rally neglected,  and  the  house  is  removed. 

Iron  has  never  been  found  in  this  town  in  large  quantities. 
Some  has  been  discovered  about  Higby  Mountain. 

A  lead  mine  was  opened  about  forty  years  ago,  near  But- 
ler's creek,  as 'it  enters  Connecticut  river,  two  miles  southeast 
from  the  city.  The  vein  runs  north-easterly  towards  the  river,  and  ' 
as  it  approaches  it,  sinks  abruptly  into  the  earth.  It  is  inclosed 
in  a  granite  rock,  which  renders  it  difficult  to  get  the  ore.  It  is 
mineralized  with  sulphur,  and  is  partly  steel-grained,  and  partly 
cubic  lead  ore,  the  former  containing  the  greatest  portion  of  sil- 
ver, but  neither  enough  to  pay  the  expense  of  separation  :  it 
also  contains  a  portion  of  zinc.  Large  sums  of  money  were  ex- 
pended here  by  foreigners,  before  the  American  Revolution. 
When  that  commenced,  it  was  in  the  hands  of  Col.  James,  a  Bri- 
tish officer,  who  had  raised  one  hundred  half-barrels  of  the  oref 
and  prepared  it  for  exportation.  This  the  government  of  Con- 
necticut seized,  as  they  did  also  the  mine,\which  they  improved, 
till  the  great  expenses  of  carrying  on  the  business,  induced  them 
to  abandon  it.  The  vein  was  followed  thirty  or  forty  rods,  arid 
was  in  some  places  very  rich,  but  generally  poor. 

Free-stone,  or  rather  dark  gray  sand-stone,  abounds  in  Middle- 
town.  Many  of  the  loose  stones  on  the  surface  are  of  this  de- 
scription. It  is  found  not  only  in  sinking  wells,  but  appears  more 
or  less  in  the  bed  and  banks  of  the  various  streams.  This  is  not 
sufficiently  finis  in  all  cases,  for  any  work  where  much  ornament 
is  required,  but  is  suitable  abundantly  for  building  stone,  and 
might  be  used  for  this  purpose  with  great  advantage.  The  wall? 
of  the  Sword  Factory  wholly,  and  of  the  Pistol  Factory  in  parf. 
.  "i.ken  from  tbr  bod  r>nd  hanks  of  Wo^t  ri'v^r.  IP 


3fi  Stutitlical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

other  cases  the  stone  is  suitable  for  fire-places,  underpinning-,  step 
and  grave-stones,  and  has  been  used  for  these  purposes  for  a  long 
period.  As  early  as  1726,  the  selectmen  were  directed  to  take 
care  of  the  quarries  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  as  well  as  on 
th  oast  side,  or  in  Chatham. 

The  first  opening  was  made  on  the  bank  of  West  river,  a  mile 
from  the  Connecticut,  near  the  turnpike  road  leading  to  Meri- 
den.  This  has  been  improved  at  different  times  to  a  considera- 
ble extent.  Within  a  few  years,  many  of  the  stone  have  been 
used  in  the  city,  and  some  have  been  transported  to  other  places. 

Beside  a  stratum  of  earth,  the  stone  here,  in  some  cases,  is 
covered  with  a  shelly  rock,  composed  principally  of  oxyd  of 
iron,  and  clay,  not  having  sufficient  sand  to  harden  and  hold  it 
together.  It  is  from  ten  to  twenty  feet  thick,  imposed  on  a  stra- 
tum of  black  slate,  beneath  which  is  a  stratum  of  blue  slate,  fre- 
quently including  veins  of  pit  coal.  Beneath  these  is  gr.ay 
sandstone,  and  then  the  slate  recurs  ;  and  thus  these  different 
strata  appear,  as  far  down  as  the  earth  has  been  explored.  In 
some  cases  the  slatestone  is  from  ten  to  fifteen  feet  thick,  so 
strongly  impregnated  with  bitumen,  that  it  will  burn.  Here  the 
veins  of  coal  are  much  the  largest  and  most  frequent. 

Another  quarry  was  opened  west  of  the  Turnpike  road  lead- 
ing to  Durham  and  New- Haven,  two  miles  from  the  city,  about 
twenty  years  ago. 

A  third  quarry  was  opened  at  Laurel-Hill  in  Middlefield,  two 
and  a  half  miles  southwest  of  the  city,  at  a  more  recent  period. 

Many  years  ago,  stone  was  taken  from  a  quarry  in  the  back 
part  of  the  Upper-Houses.  This  is  of  an  indifferent  quality. 

None  of  these  quarries  are  extensively  improved  just  at  the  pre- 
sent time,  and  some  of  them  arc  wholly  neglected. 

The  appearances  of  coal  already  noticed,  with  some  other 
facts,  have  induced  several  gentlemen  to  search  for  coal  in  this 
town.  The  earth  has  been  explored  by  boring  sixty  or  seven- 
ty feet.  But  though  £oal  has  been  discovered,  it  has  not  been 
found  in  sufficient  quantities  to  defray  the  expense  of  digging 
for  it.  But  appearances  are  so  favorable,  and  the  object  is  so 
important,  it  is  hoped  the  search  will  not  be  given  up,  without  a 
more  thorough  examination. 

Limestone  exists  near  Higby  Mountain,  and  has  been  used  to  a 
limited  extent. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  southern,  western  and  northern  parts  of 
this  town,  arc  very  generally  farmers,  and  as  the  lands  in  those 
parls  have  long  sin'T  been  taken  up  for  farms,  the  population 
has  increased  very  little  for  many  years.  There  were  80  dwell- 
ing houses  in  Middlefield  in  1746,  and  but  one  more  in  1815. 
The  population  of  Wcstfield,  for  the  same  length  of  time,  has 


Town  of  Middle  toton.  39 

been  nearly  stationary.  The  increase  in  the  Upper-Houses, 
has  been  confined  principally  to  the  village  in  the  south-eastern 
section  of  it,  as  the  increase  in  the  first  society  has  been  to  the 
city.  Young  enterprising  men,  (rained  to  husbandry,  unable  to 
get  farms  in  their  native  town,  have  removed  from  time  to  time, 
to  other  parts  of  the  country.  But  of  these  numerous  and  almost 
perpetual  removals,  generally,  no  particular  information  can  b«- 
given. 

In  1784,  Hugh  White  Esq.  moved  from  the  Upper-Houses  to 
Whitestown,  in^the  State  of  New- York.  In  the  course  of  a  feu 
years,  some  families  from  Middletown  and  other  places  settled 
around  him.  In  1788,  the  town  of  Gerjnanflats  was  divided, 
and  the  western  part,  within  which  he  and  his  associates  lived, 
was  called  in  honour  of  him,  Whitestown.  The  new  town,  at 
its  incorporation,  extended  over  the  whole  western  portion  of 
New- York  ;  a  tract,  which  did  not  then  contain  200  English  in- 
habitants, but  which  before  Mr.  White's  death,  in  1812,  contained 
more  than  280,000.  The  present  town  of  Whitestown,  including 
the  large  and  flourishing  village  of  Utica,  and  the  fine  villages  oi 
Whitesborough  and  New-Hartford,  will  transmit  his  name  to  dis- 
tant generations. 

Two  persons,  inhabitants  of  Middletown,  have  been  capitally 
punished,  namely,  Thomas  Starr  and  Peter  Lung. 

On  the  26th  of  July  1796,  Starr  stabbed  Mr.  Samuel  Corn- 
well,  a  nephew,  in  seven  places  in  the  trunk  of  his  body, 
with  a  penknife  ;  of  which  wounds  he  languished  a  few  days  and 
expired.  For  this  offence,  he  was  tried  and  condemned  at  a  spe- 
cial session  of  the  Superior  Court,  held  in  Middletown,  Decem- 
ber 1796,  and  executed  at  Haddara,  on  the  14th  of  June  following. 

Lung  was  convicted  of  murder,  committed,  by  various  wounds 
and  bruises,  on  the  person  of  his  wife,  of  which  she  died,  some- 
time in  the  course  of  the  night  of  the  31st  of  July  1815.  A  spe- 
cial Court  held  in  Middletown,  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  August,  in 
the  same  year,  condemned  him  to  be  executed  on  the  23d  of  No- 
vember. But  as  the  Legislature,  at  their  intervening  session,  set 
aside  the  doings  of  that  Court,  he  had  a  second  trial  at  Haddam 
in  December,  where  he  was  again  condemned.  His  execution 
took  place  at  Middletown,  on  the  20th  of  June  1816. 

Shipbuilding  has  been  carried  on  in  the  village  of  the  Upper- 
Houses,  in  one  yard,  for  a  century,  and  in  a  second,  for  half  that 
period.  The  inhabitants  of  that  village,  have  been  moderately 
concerned  in  navigation  for  many  years.  Several  neat  houses 
were  erected  there,  about  1804,  and  the  village  and  parish  both, 
are  very  pleasant. 

But  the  principal  business  in  Middletown  is  done  in  the  city. 
This  was  incorporated  in  May  1784. 


4.0  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

Its  situation  is  remarkably  pleasant,  and  strikes  the  eye  with 
peculiar  pleasure,  not  only  from  Prospect-Hill,  but  from  the  high 
grounds  in  Chatham,  and  towards  the  Staits. 

It  is  nearly  surrounded  by  water,  having  Little  river  on  the 
north,  West  river  on  the  west,  and  Pameacha  river  and  Sum- 
ner's  creek,  in  part,  on  the  south,  a  line  from  West  river  to  War- 
wick's bridge,  being  the  remaining  southern  boundary.  The 
eastern  boundary  of  the  city  is  high  water  mark,  on  the  east  side 
of  the  Connecticut. 

Its  medium  length  may  be  a  mile  and  a  half,  and  its  breadth, 
exclusively  of  the  river,  is  about  the  same. 

From  the  Connecticut  the  ground  gradually  rises  for  hah 
a  mile  westward.  Within  this  space  are  nearly  all  the  build- 
ings in  the  city,  and  most  of  them  are  on  the  eastern  half  of 
it,  on  Main-street,  running  parallel  generally  with  the  Connec- 
ticut, and  on  streets  at  right  angles  with  this,  running  to  the  river. 

The  dwelling  houses  in  the  city,  299  in  number,  are  very  ge- 
nerally convenient,  and  some  of  them  are  elegant  buildings. 
These,  with  the  various  stores  and  shops,  are  constructed  in  most 
cases  of  wood;  a  few,  and  those  more  recently  erected,  ar6  of 
brick.  They  are  one,  two  and  three  stories  high ;  but  vastly 
the  greatest  proportion  of  them,  are  of  the  second  description. 

The  public  edifices  are  five  churches,  attended  however  by 
people  from  all  parts  of  Middletown  parish,  two  Banks,  a  Court- 
house, Gaol  and  Alms-house. 

In  the  winter  of  1669 — 70,  a  shipwright  was  allowed  to  build 
vessels  in  this  place,  and  shipbuilding  has  probably  been  carried 
on  most  of  the  time  since  that  period.  Two  yards  were  formerly 
occupied  ;  one  only  is  improved  at  the  present  time. 

There  may  have  been  a  very  little  navigation  from  the  pe- 
riod, in  which  shipbuilding  commenced.  In  1713  and  14,  seve- 
ral wharves  were  allowed  to  be  built  on  the  Connecticut.  Be- 
fore the  revolutionary  war,  an  extensive  and  profitable  trade 
was  opened  with  the  West-Indies. 

In  1811,  the  year  preceding  the  late  war,  there  belonged  to 
Middletown,  and  mostly  to  the  city,  7  ships,  21  brigs,  and  4 
schooners,  employed  in  foreign  trade,  and  1  schooner  and  6 
sloops,  employed  in  coasting,  amounting  to  6,000  tons.  By  the 
war  the  navigation  was  much  reduced,  and  in  the  close  of  1C15, 
3,537  tons  of  shipping  only,  belonged  to  the  town. 

The  foreign  trade  of  the  city,  is  principally  with  the  West- 
Indies,  and  the  coasting  trade  is  with  the  city  of  New-York,  and 
the  Southern  States.  The  more  important  articles  of  exportation 
are  live-stock,  corn-meal  and  lumber,  collected  partly  from  this 
town,  and  partly  from  the  country.  Rum.  molasses  and  c'ii:;<r 
ore  the  principal  articles,  imported. 


Town  of  Middletoion.  41 

Sixty  or  seventy  years  ago,  there  were  only  four  merchant 
stores  in  this  place.  At  that  time,  there  were  but  few  mechanic 
shops,  and  no  public  offices  and  no  important  factories. 

There  are  now  in  the  city,  11  stores  of  dry  goods;  22  groce- 
ry stores  ;  2  hardware  stores  ;  2  crockery  stores  ;  1  fur  store  ;  2 
apothecary  stores  ;  1  paper  store  ;  2  book  stores  ;  2  book  binde- 
ries ;  2  goldsmith's  shops  ;  4  taylors'  shops  ;  3  milliners'  shops  ; 
1  hat  factory ;  2  bakeries ;  3  butchers'  stalls ;  2  tallow  chan- 
dleries ;  2  tanneries  ;  3  shoe  stores ;  2  saddler's  shops  ;  4  lum- 
ber yards  ;  3  cabinet  shops ;  2  chaise-makers'  shops  ;  2  tinners 
shops ;  4  blacksmith's  shops  ;  2  rope  walks  ;  and  1  sail  loft. 

There  are  now  two  printing  offices  in  the  city.  The  first  was 
established  in  1785,  the  same  year  in  which  this  county  was 
formed,  and  has  ever  since  published  the  Middlesex  Gazette : 
the  other  has  been  recently  introduced. 

The  Custom-house  Office  was  established  in  1795,  and  collects 
the  customs  from  a  district,  embracing  the  counties  of  Middlesex 
and  Hartford. 

Middletown  Bank  was  incorporated  in  Oct.  1795,  with  a  capi- 
tal of  $100,000,  which  was  increased  in  May  1812,  to  $500,000. 

The  Branch  of  the  Bank  of  the  United  States,  located  in  this 
place,  began  its  operations  in  Sept.  1817. 

The  Insurance  Company  was  incorporated  in  Oct.  1803,  with 
a  capital  of  $60,000. 

The  Fire-Insurance  Company  was  incorporated  in  May  1813, 
with  a  capital  of  $150,000.  A  fire-engine  company  had  then 
existed  ten  years  in  the  city  :  there  is  now  a  second  of  later  for- 
mation. 

A  rum  distillery  was  set  up  in  this  place  in  1791,  which  dis- 
tils 600  hogsheads  of  rum  annually.  Were  it  driven  steadily 
through  the  winter,  it  might  distil  1000. 

In  1810,  a  woollen  factory,  owned  by  the  Middletown  Manu- 
facturing Company,  was  put  in  operation  on  Washington-street. 
The  various  machinery  in  this  extensive  establishment,  was  mov- 
ed by  a  steam-engine,  equal  to  a  25  horse  power.  The  principal 
building,  (originally  erected  for  a  sugar  house,)  is  of  brick,  40  feet 
by  36, 5  stories  ;  with  which  is  connected  a  rear  building,  40  feet  by 
20,  a  dye-house,  &c.  From  60  to  80  hands  were  employed  in  this 
factory,  and  there  was  room  for  100.  Forty  yards  of  fine  cloth 
were  sometimes  manufactured  in  a  day,  and  70,000  dollars  worth 
in  a  year.  The  consumption  of  fuel  was  a  serious  draw-back 
upon  the  profits  ;  but  the  factory  was  supposed  to  have  been  ad- 
vantageous to  the  company,  until  the  sudden  fall  of  goods,  upon 
(he  late  peace  with  Great  Britain,  since  which  it  has  not  been 
much  improved. 

Another  woollen  factory  was  erected  in  the  city  in  1814.  on 


42  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 

Pameacha  river,  called  Watkinson's  Factory,  from  the  name  oi 
the  owner.  The  machinery  generally,  is  in  a  fine  brick  building, 
64  feet  by  34,  3  stories.  Hero  25,000  pounds  of  Merino  wool 
are  annually  manufactured  into  blue  broad-cloths.  The  color- 
ing is  done  wholly  in  the  wool.  The  number  of  hands  usually 
employed  is  40. 

On  the  west  bank  of  West  river,  is  Starr's  Sword  Factory, 
erected  in  1813.  The  building  is  of  stone,  81  feet  by  33,  3  sto- 
ries, having  a  wing  35  feet  square,  fire-proof.  Here  are  sufficient 
room  and  machinery  for  the  employment  of  100  hands.  The 
number  actually  employed  has  been  much  less,  but  various.  The 
swords  annually  manufactured,  have  been  about  5,000,  for  seve- 
ral years  past. 

Half  a  mile  southwest  of  this  factory,  on  the  opposite  side  oi 
the  same  stream,  is  North's  Pistol  Factory,  built  in  1813  and  14, 
84  feet  by  37,  3  stories,  the  first  story  being  of  stone,  and  the 
other  two  of  brick,  fire-proof.  In  this,  from  8  to  10,000  pistols 
are  annually  made.  The  workmen  employed,  inclusive  of  ap- 
prentices, are  from  55  to  70. 

Thirty  or  forty  rods  below  Watkinson's  Factory,  on  Pameacha 
river,  is  Johnson's  Rifle  Factory,  which  began  its  operations  in 
1815.  In  this,  from  25  to  30  hands  are  employed,  who  manu- 
facture from  10  to  1200  rifles  in  a  year. 

The  swords,  pistols  and  rifles  made  in  the  above  factories  are 
sold  generally,  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States. 

In  these  factories,  and  in  Watkinson's  Factory,  it  is  made  a  rule, 
that  no  ardent  spirits  shall  be  used,  and  no  gambling  practised 
by  the  workmen.  By  this  rule,  the  order  and  peace  of  the  fac- 
tories are  promoted,  and  the  wages  of  the  workmen  secured  for 
the  benefit  of  themselves  and  families. 

West  of  Pameacha  Bridge,  on  the  site  of  an  old  gun  factory,  is 
Phoenix- Mill,  for  grinding  dye-woods,  with  which  an  oil-mill  has 
recently  been  connected. 

The  two  woollen  factories,  and  the  Rifle  Factory,  are  within 
the  limits  of  the  city ;  the  sword  and  pistol  Factories  and  Phoe- 
nix-Mill are  on,  or  near  its  borders. 

Besides  these  factories,  there  are  several  others  in  other  part; 
of  the  town,  some  of  which  are  owned  in  the  city. 

In  Middlefield  a  Snuff-Mill  and  a  Nail  Factory,  were  improved 
some  years  ago,  on  West  river.  There  are  now  on  the  same 
stream,  a  Paper-Mill  and  a  Powder-Mill. 

The  Paper-Mill  was  built  in  1793,  employs  from  9  to  12 
hands,  and  manufactures  annually  from  12  to  1600  reams  of 
writing,  printing  and  wrapping  paper,  together  with  considera- 
ble quantities  of  bonnet,  press  and  sheathing  paper. 

The  Powder-Mill,  also  built  in  1793.  has  39  pounders.     If 


Town  of  Middlctown.  43 

might  manufacture  4  or  5,000  casks  of  powder  annually.     It  now 
manufactures  about  1000. 

In  the  Upper-Houses,  are  two  Cotton  Factories,  standing  near 
each  other,  on  a  small  stream,  fed  by  springs  so  deep  in  the 
earth  as  not  to  be  much  effected  by  drought.  The  first,  erected 
in  1808,  is  calculated  to  contain  500  spindles,  and  has  now  330. 
The  latter,  erected  in  1814,  contains  300  spindles,  and  might  con- 
tain twice  that  number. 

On  the  principal  branch  of  Pameacha  river,  in  the  First  Socie- 
ty, Green's  Factory  or  Clothier's  Works,  was  built  in  1812.  In 
this,  in  one  season,  a  considerable  quantity  of  the  cloth  was 
manufactured,  which  is  called  Columbian  Cloth,  a  fabric  of  wool- 
len and  cotton. 

In  1817,  an  Ivory-Comb  Factory  was  established  on  Miller's 
brook,  a  mile  south  of  the  city.  Here  was  also  established  the 
last  year  a  Pewter  Factory,  and  a  Factory  of  Block-tin  Buttons. 
In  all  these,  30  hands  are  employed. 

Not  long  after  the  settlement  commenced  in  Middletowri,  the 
people  employed  Mr.  Samuel  Stow,  a  native  of  Concord,  Mass. 
and  graduate  of  Cambridge  College,  as  a  candidate  for  the  minis- 
try. In  Aug.  1657,  they  voted  to  continue  him  on  trial,  and  ap- 
pear afterwards  to  have  made  some  further  advances  towards 
his  settlement.  But  some  difficulties  arising  in  the  town  re- 
specting him,  a  vote  was  passed  in  1659,  that  they  did  not  wish 
to  continue  him,  but  to  look  elsewhere.  In  1661,  the  difficulties 
came  before  the  Legislature,  who  declared  the  town  of  Middle- 
town  to  be  free  from  Mr.  Stow,  as  their  engaged  minister ;  and 
a  committee  which  they  then  appointed  to  further  the  settlement 
of  a  minister,  encouraged  the  people  to  settle  the  Rev.  Nathaniel 
Collins,  of  which  there  was  an  existing  prospect ;  and  further- 
more advised  Mr.  Stow  and  the  inhabitants,  to  a  loving  carriage 
towards  him.  These  measures  appear  to  have  finished  the  bu- 
siness respecting  Mr.  Stow's  settlement ;  he  gave  up  his  designs 
of  the  ministry,  and  lived  in  the  town  as  a  private  citizen;  and 
the  people  went  forward  according  to  advice,  and  with  entire 
unanimity  settled  Mr.  Collins.  His  ordination  took  place  Nov. 
4,  1668,  at  which  time  the  church  was  gathered,  consisting  of 
ten  male  members,  including  himself. 

Mr.  Collins  was  the  son  of  Dea.  Collins  of  Cambridge.  An 
elder  brother,  by  the  name  of  John,  was  publicly  educated,  and 
settled  in  the  ministry  in  London.  Both  were  famous  ministers 
in  their  day.  The  church  and  people  of  Middletown  were  unit- 
ed and  happy  during  Mr.  Collins'  life ;  and  the  country  was  bless- 
ed by  his  labours.  He  deceased  in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness 
in  1684,  greatly  lamented.  Cotton  Mather  says,  in  his  peculiar 
language,  that  "  more  wounds  were  given"  by  his  death  "  to 

6 


4'i  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

the  whole  colony  of  Connecticut,  than  the  body  of  Caesar  did  re- 
ceive when  he  fell  wounded  in  the  senate  house — that  the  church 
of  Middletown  upon  Connecticut  river,  was  the  golden  candle- 
stick from  whence  this  excellent  person  illuminated  more  than 
that  whole  colony  ;  and  that  all  the  qualities  of  most  exemplary 
piety,  extraordinary  ingenuity,  obliging  affability,  joined  with  the 
accomplishments  of  an  extraordinary  preacher,  did  render  him 
truly  excellent.  In  saying  this  of  him,  I  may  confirm  what  1 
say,"  he  adds,  "  in  words  like  those  of  Jerome  on  a  like  occasion  : 
Tester  christianurn  de  christiano,  vera  proferre ;  in  speaking  of  a 
Christian  I  will  as  a  Christian  say  the  truth;  and  for  this  cha- 
racter add  this  epitaph  : 

llle  plus  pastor,  quo  non  prastantior  unus, 
Qui  faciendo  doeel,  quae  facienda  dotcl  •'* 

That  is  the  pious  pastor,  than  whom  none  is  more  excellent, 
who  shows  by  his  practice  the  same  things,  which  he  teacher 
ought  to  be  done. 

One  of  Mr.  Collins'  sons  was  the  first  minister  in  the  town  of 
Enfield. 

The  congregation  having  remained  vacant  somewhat  more 
than  three  years  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Collins,  settled  the  Rev. 
Noadiah  Russel,  with  the  greatest  harmony. 

Mr.  Russel  was  born  at  New-Haven,  and  left  an  orphan,  with 
an  elder  sister,  when  about  a  year  old  ;  but  through  the  friend- 
ship and  benevolence  of  Mrs.  Elin  Glover,  he  was  publicly  edu- 
cated. Where  he  was  brought  up  is  unknown,  but  it  is  not  im- 
probable at  Ipswich,  in  Massachusetts,  as  he  became  a  member 
of  the  church  in  that  place,  and  was  thence  recommended  to  the 
church  in  Middletown.  Concerning  his  character,  no  particular 
information  has  been  obtained  ;  but  as  he  was  one  of  the  found- 
ers and  trustees  of  Yale  College,  and  one  of  the  framers  of  Say- 
brook  Platform,  he  must  have  held  a  respectable  rank  among 
his  brethren.  He  deceased  in  J713. 

Two  of  his  sons,  viz.  William  and  Daniel,  were  educated  at 
the  seminary  which  he  had  assisted  in  founding  and  governing. 
With  this,  William  was  connected  for  a  time  as  a  tutor,  and  af- 
terwards as  a  trustee.  Both  became  ministers  of  the  Gospel. 
Daniel  settled  in  the  parish  of  Stepney  in  Weathersfield,  and 
William  succeeded  his  father  in  the  congregation  in  Middletown, 
June  1,  1715. 

Of  this  Mr.  Rus.sd  it  is  very  remarkable,  that  he  laboured  in 
the  ministry  just  forty-six  years,  dying  in  the  same  month,  and 
on  the  same  day  of  the  month,  on  which  he  was  ordained.  He- 
was  "  a  gentleman,"  says  Dr.  Trumbull,  "  of  great  respectabili- 
ty for  knowledge,  experience,  moderation,  and  for  pacific  mea- 
sures, on  all  occasions." 


Town  of  Middletown.  45 

The  year  after  Mr.  Russel's  death,  the  Rev.  Enoch  Hunting- 
ton  was  ordained  in  Middletown. 

While  at  College,  Mr.  Huntington  made  distinguished  im- 
provements in  science,  and  for  several  years  aft-jr  he  entered  the 
ministry,  his  public  services  were  very  acceptable.  His  elocu- 
tion was  uncommonly  fine.  But  by  an  attempt  to  speak  when 
afflicted  with  a  cold,  his  voice  was  unhappily  injured,  and  it  ever 
after  required  increased  exertion  in  him  to  speak,  and  in  the  peo- 
ple distinctly  to  hear  him.  He  however  was  able  to  perform  pub- 
lic labours  till  nearly  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1809,  and  by  his 
family  visits  particularly,  was  dear  to  his  people.  He  was  a 
fellow  of  Yale  College  twenty-eight  years. 

The  Rev.  Dan  Huntington,  who  had  been  previously  settled 
in  Litchfield,  was  installed  in  Middletown  a  few  months  after  his 
predecessor's  death,  and  was  dismissed,  at  his  own  request,  in 
1816,  He  now  resides  in  Massachusetts. 

In  July  of  the  same  year,  the  Rev.  Chauncey  A.  Goodrich 
was  ordained  in  this  place,  and  in  December  1817  was  dismiss- 
ed, in  consequence  of  ill  health.  He  is  now  professor  of  rheto- 
ric at  Yale  College. 

The  present  pastor  of  this  congregation,  is  the  Rev.  John  R. 
Crane. 

There  was  but  one  society  in  Middletown,  for  half  a  century 
after  the  settlement  began.  During  this  period,  the  inhabitants 
lived  within  the  limits  of  what  are  now  the  two  first  parishes. 
The  convenience  and  friendship  of  the  people  at  the  Upper- 
Houses  were  consulted,  by  the  erection  of  the  two  first  meeting- 
houses near  the  north  end  of  the  city,  and  by  the  appointment  of 
a  portion  of  the  town  officers,  from  time  to  time,  from  among 
them.  But  the  inhabitants  there  had  become  so  numerous,  that 
on  the  18th  of  January  1703,  the  town  agreed,  that  the  people 
on  the  north  side  of  Little  river,  might  settle  a  minister,  and  build 
themselves  a  meeting-house,  provided  they  settled  a  minister 
within  six,  or  at  most  twelve  months  from  that  time  ;  and  the 
Legislature  incorporated  them  as  a  society,  at  their  session  in 
May  following.  To  this  parish  the  cast  street  in  Worthington, 
in  the  town  of  Berlin,  belonged  until  1790. 

From  the  time  of  their  incorporation,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Upper-Houses  appear  to  have  maintained  public  worship  among 
themselves,  and  for  a  portion  of  that  time  at  least,  they  enjoyed 
preaching;  but  twelve  years  instead  of  twelve  months  elapsed, 
before  they  settled  a  minister. 

On  the  5th  of  January  1715,  the  church  was  gathered,  con- 
sisting of  23  members,  20  of  whom  had  belonged  to  the  church 
in  the  First  Society,  one  to  some  other  church,  and  two  were  taken 
from  the  world. 


46  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

I 

At  this  time,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Smith,  who  had  already  preach- 
ed for  them  two  or  three  years,  was  ordained  their  pastor.  Hr 
died  in  1736. 

In  1738,  the  Rev.  Edward  Eells,  son  of  the  Rev.  Nathaniel 
Eells  of  Scituate,  Massachusetts,  was  ordained  in  the  Upper- 
Houses.  Mr.  Eells  acquired  some  celebrity,  by  a  pamphlet 
which  he  published  in  1759,  on  the  Wallingford  Case.  For  se- 
veral years  he  sustained  the  office  of  a  trustee  of  Yale  College, 
where  three  of  his  sons  were  educated,  who  were  ministers  in  East- 
bury,  North-Branford  and  Barkhempsted.  He  deceased  in  1776. 

The  Rev.  Gershom  Bulkley  was  ordained  in  this  place  in 
1778,  and  dismissed,  pursuant  to  an  agreement  between  him  and 
his  people,  in  1808.  He  is  still  living. 

The  Rev.  Joshua  L.  Williams,  ordained  in  1809,  is  the  present 
pastor  of  this  congregation. 

Middlefield,  the  south-western  section  of  Middletown,  was 
made  a  society  by  act  of  Assembly,  in  Oct.  1744. 

At  what  time  the  church  there  was  embodied  does  not  appear, 
as  the  ancient  records  are  lost.  It  may  have  been  embodied  at 
the  ordination  of  the  first  minister,  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Gould,  in 
1747. 

Mr.  Gould  was  dismissed  about  1756,  and  afterwards  settled 
in  Granville,  Massachusetts. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Denison  succeeded  to  the  charge  in  Middle- 
field  in  1765,  and  died  in  1770. 

The  Rev.  Abner  Benedict  was  ordained  in  1771.  In  1785, 
he  obtained  a  dismission  from  Middlefield,  and  moved  to  New- 
Lebanon  in  the  State  of  New-York,  that  a  feeble  and  afflicted 
daughter  might  constantly  enjoy  the  benefit  of  the  medicinal 
waters  of  that  town.  He  was  there  installed,  and  laboured  in 
the  ministry  six  years.  He  afterwards  preached  in  various 
places,  and  on  the  19th  of  November  last,  died  in  New- York,  in 
the  town  of  Roxbury,  county  of  Delaware,  aged  78. 

Mr.  Benedict  was  a  man  of  strong  and  benevolent  affections,  and 
an  intelligent  and  able  divine.  While  in  Middlefield,  he  accom- 
plished by  his  address  and  efforts,  the  freedom  of  all  the  slaves 
held  by  his  people.  Some  manuscripts,  on  which  he  had  be- 
stowed much  labour,  particularly  a  dissertation  on  the  Book  of 
Revelation,  may  yet  be  published. 

The  congregation  in  Middlefield  has  remained  vacant  ever 
since  his  dismission.  Previously  to  1808  the  church  had 
become  nearly  extinct.  In  December  of  that  year,  there  hav- 
ing been  some  revival  among  the  people,  the  church  was  or- 
ganized anew,  and  29  persons  entered  into  covenant  with  God 
and  with  one  another.  With  these.  21  persons  had  united, 
prior  to  April  181S. 


Town  of  MiddUlown.  47 

The  Society  of  Westfield,  lying  directly  north  of  Middlefield 
and  west  of  the  city,  was  incorporated  in  May  1766. 

The  church  was  formed  Dec.  29,  1773,  consisting  of  26  mem- 
bers, 21  of  whom  were  taken  from  the  church  in  the  First  Society, 
and  5  from  the  church  in  the  Upper-Houses. 

At  that  time,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Miner,  who  is  still  living,  was 
ordained  their  pastor. 

But  one  mode  of  worship  was  observed  in  this  town  till  after 
the  lapse  of  nearly  a  century.  Besides  the  Congregational 
churches,  there  are  now,  an  Episcopal  church,  a  Strict-Congre- 
gational church,  three  Baptist  churches  and  a  Methodist  church. 

The  first  records  of  the  Episcopal  society  are  dated  Decem- 
ber 1749.  It  then  embraced  sixteen  families.  For  the  nine 
years  following,  it  had  an  average  annual  increase  of  six  families, 

No  records  of  communicants  among  the  Episcopalians  exist 
earlier  than  1799,  when  they  had  47.  Since  then  these  have- 
been  more  than  doubled. 

With  this  people  the  following  persons  have  been  connected 
as  pastors. 

The  Rev.  Ichabod  Camp  divided  his  labours  among  them,  and 
the  Episcopalians  in  Wallingford,  from  1.752  to  1760,  when  he 
removed  to  Louisburg  in  Virginia.  Some  years  after,  he  was 
murdered  by  a  son-in-law. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.  D.  was  reader  for  this  congre- 
gation from  1760  to  1764,  when  he  became  their  rector.  In  this 
capacity  he  remained  with  them  until  1799.  At  this  time,  hav- 
ing been  elected  bishop  of  Connecticut,  he  removed  to  Cheshire 
and  afterwards  to  New-Haven;  where  he  died,  May  3,  1813, 
aged  75. 

The  bishop  was  succeeded  in  the  charge  at  Middletown  by 
the  Rev.  Messrs.  Calvin  White,  Joseph  Warren  and  Clement 
Merriam,  whose  terms  of  service  were  very  short.  Mr.  White 
is  now  rector  of  the  Episcopal  church  in  Derby. 

The  Rev.  John  Kewley,  an  Englishman,  was  rector  of  this 
church  from  1809  to  1813.  Previously  to  his  coming  to  Middle- 
town,  he  had  practised  physic  in  the  West  Indies  and  in  Penn- 
sylvania, and  had  been-minister  for  four  years  in  Chester  in  Ma- 
ryland. After  leaving  Middletown,  he  settled  in  the  city  of 
New- York,  but  has  since  returned  to  England. 

The  present  rector  of  this  church,  is  the  Rev.  Birdsey  G.  Noble. 

About  the  time  of  the  great  revival  in  New-England  in  1741 
and  2,  a  few  individuals  in  the  towns  of  Middletown  and  Weath- 
ersfield,  embraced  the  principles  of  the  Strict-Congregationalists. 
These  were  formed  into  a  church  at  Weathersfield,  Oct.  28,  1747, 
and  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Frothingham  was,  at  that  time,  ordained 
theirpastor.  But  as  the  principal  members  in  Weathersfield,  within 


ID  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

a  few  years,  emigrated  into  the  Stale  of  New- York,  Mr.  Frothing 
ham  removed  to  Middletown,  and  was  installed  over  the  Strict-Con- 
gregationalists  living  there,  about  1754.  These  resided  in  the 
first  and  fourth  parishes.  They  were  few  in  number,  but  in- 
creased considerably  under  his  ministry.  In  1788,  they  were 
divided  into  two  churches,  those  in  the  First  Society  of  Middle- 
town  constituting  one  church,  and  those  in  Westfield  the  other. 
Mr.  Frothingham  was  dismissed  about  the  time  of  this  division, 
but  remained  in  Middletown  through  life.  He  died  Nov.  30. 
1798,  aged  81. 

The  Rev.  Stephen  Parsons  became  the  pastor  of  the  Strict- 
Congregationalists  within  the  First  Society,  in  1788,  and  was  dis- 
missed in  1795,  having  changed  his  sentiments  on  the  mode  and 
subjects  of  baptism. 

The  Rev.  David  Huntington  who  had  been  previously  settled 
in  Marlborough,  was  installed  over  this  people  in  1797.  He  la- 
boured with  them  until  1800,  and  was  afterwards  settled  in  the 
Third  Society  of  Lyme;  where  he  died,  April  13,  1811,  in  the 
G7th  year  of  his  age,  having  sustained  the  character  of  a  very 
pious  man. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  Graves,  who  had  been  previously  or- 
dained by  a  council  of  Strict-Congregational  churches,  succeed- 
ed to  this  charge  in  1 803,  and  was  dismissed  in  the  close  of  1 8 11 , 
or  the  beginning  of  1812. 

Not  far  from  the  time  of  his  dismission  the  church  was  dissolv- 
ed, and  the  prospects  of  this  denomination  were  gloomy.  Bu' 
on  January  11,  1816,  four  males  and  nine  females,  who  had  be- 
longed to  the  old  church,  were  formed  into  a  new  church,  and 
the  congregation  was  in  some  measure  collected. 

Soon  after  this,  the  Rev.  Ahab  Jinks  was  procured  to  preach 
to  them,  and  on  the  7th  of  August  1816,  he  was  ordained  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Hudson,  with  which  he  was  connected,  with  a  view- 
to  his  becoming  their  pastor.  Under  his  ministry  the  church  has 
increased,  and  its  prospects  brightened. 

Individuals  in  Middletown  are  said  to  have  believed  in  the 
sentiments  of  the  Baptists  for  a  considerable  time.  But  they 
have  not  been  known  as  a  denomination  till  lately. 

The  first  Baptist  church  in  Middletown  was  formed  in  the  city. 
Oct.  19,  1795,  consisting,  at  that  time,  of  5  male  and  6  female 
members.  This  has  enjoyed  the  instructions  of  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Joshua  Bradley,  George  Phippin  and  Jeremiah  F.  Bridges. 

The  Baptist  society  in  the  Upper-Houses  was  formed  Ja BUST] 
2,  1801,  and  the  church  February  G,  1802,  consisting  of  1C 
members. 

The  Strict-Congregationalists  in  Westfield,  professed  them- 
selves Baptists  in  1804,  and  a  Baptist  church  was  then  formed 
among  them,  having  12  members. 


Town  of  Middleiown.  4^ 

All  these  Baptist  churches  have  increased  considerably  since 
their  formation. 

The  Methodist  congregation  in  the  city  was  formed  in  Dec. 
1791:  and  the  Methodists  occasionally  hold  meetings  in  other 
parts  of  the  town. 

But  one  school  was  kept  in  Middletown  prior  to  1683.  At 
that  time,  the  inhabitants  of  the  Upper-  Houses  were  allowed  their 
proportion  of  a  school  rate,  for  the  maintenance  of  a  school 
among  themselves.  For  thirty  years  after,  only  two  schools 
were  kept  in  the  town.  There  are  now  24,  viz.  12  in  the  First 
Society,  5  in  the  Upper-  Houses,  3  in  Middlefield  and  4  in  West- 
field;  in  which,  between  12  and  1300  children  are  annually  in- 
structed. 

The  First  Society  has  a  fund  for  the  promotion  of  schooling  ; 
derived  partly  from  the  legacies  of  Jasper  Clements,  Samuel 
Stow  and  Nathaniel  White,  proprietors  of  the  town  ;  and  partly 
from  the  sale  of  Litchfield  lands,  amounting  to  about  $2,166. 
Money,  from  the  last  mentioned  source,  was  not  received  till  1802. 
From  the  same  source,  the  Society  of  Upper-Houses  received  at 
that  time  $  103  45,  Middlefield  $  88  22  and  Westfield  $88  99. 

Several  distinguished  characters,  who  have  been  natives  or  in- 
habitants of  this  town,  deserve  to  be  mentioned  in  this  work. 

The  Hon.  Giles  Hamlin,  ancestor  of  tke  very  respectable 
family  of  that  name,  emigrated  from  some  part  of  England,  and 
settled  in  Middletown  as  early  as  1654,  and  probably  as  early  as 
1650.  From  the  inscription  upon  his  monument,  he  appears  to 
have  followed  the  seas  ;  but  his  mode  of  life,  neither  prevented 
his  attention  to  religion,  nor  his  promotion  to  public  office.  He 
was  the  first  person  admitted  to  the  communion  of  the  church, 
after  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Collins  ;  and  in  1685  he  was  elected  into 
the  Council  of  the  Colony,  and  was  annually  thus  elected  jtill  his 
death,  except  as  the  privileges  of  the  freemen,  and  the  proceed- 
ings of  government  were  suspended,  by  the  usurpation  of  Ma- 
jor Andross.  The  inscription  just  alluded  to,  deserves  to  be 
recited,  not  only  as  giving  his  character,  but  as  furnishing  a  spe- 
cimen of  that  style  of  writing,  which  prevailed  in  the  early  pe- 
riods of  Connecticut.  This  is  as 


"  Here's  a  Cedar  tall,  gently  wafted  o'er, 
From  Great  Britain's  isle  to  this  western  shore. 
Near  fifty  years,  crossing  the  Ocean  wide, 
Yet's  anchored  in  the  grave  from  storm  or  tide. 
Yet  remember,  the  body  only  here, 
His  blessed  soul,  fixed  in  a  higher  sphere. 

Here  lies  the  body  of  Giles  Hamlin  Esq.  ;  aged  67  years,  who  departed  this 
-"he  first  day  of  September,  A.  D.  16ti9." 

The  Hon.  John  Hnmlin.  eldest  son  of  the  above.  po?ses?o(! 


50  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County , 

the  abilities  and  virtues  of  his  father,  and  had  a  larger  share  of 
public  employment.  For  more  than  forty  years  he  adorned  the 
Christian  profession,  and  by  the  wise  and  faithful  discharge  of 
many  public  trusts  greatly  promoted  the  welfare  of  the  town  and 
Colony.  From  1694  to  1730,  he  was  advanced  by  the  suffrages 
of  his  fellow-citiaens  to  the  station  of  an  assistant.  In  1715,  he 
was  appointed  judge  of  the  court  of  Common  Pleas  for  Hartford 
county,  and  from  1716  to  1721,  he  was  appointed  an  assistant 
judge  of  the  Superior  Court.  He  died  in  1 733,  in  his  75th  year. 

The  Hon.  Jabez  Hamlin,  son  of  the  last  mentioned  Mr. 
Hamlin,  was  equally  beloved  by  the  people  of  Middletown  and 
of  the  Colony  and  State,  with  his  father  and  grandfather,  and  was 
even  more  extensively  employed  in  public  life.  A  pleasant  and 
mild  disposition,  hopefully  sanctified  by  grace,  a  liberal  educa- 
tion and  respectable  talents,  eminently  qualified  him  to  secure 
and  retain  the  affections  and  confidence  of  his  fellow-citizens. 
He  was  advanced  to  the  rank  of  a  colonel  in  the  militia  of  Con- 
necticut, at  a  period,  when  a  military  commission  entitled  a  man 
to  very  great  respect.  He  was  put  into  the  commission  of  the 
peace  as  soon  as  1733  or  4,  was  a  justice  of  the  Quorum  for 
Hartford  county  from  1745  till  1754,  and  judge  of  that  court  from 
the  last  period  till  1784  ;  was  judge  of  the  court  of  probate,  from 
the  formation  of  Middletown  district  in  1752  till  1789,  and  mayor 
of  the  city  of  Middletown  from  its  incorporation  in  1784  till  his 
death.  The  freemen  had  annually  elected  him  an  assistant  from 
1773  to  1777  or  8  ;  but  the  approbation  of  an  unpopular  measure 
excited  a  prejudice  against  him,  and  several  of  his  brethren,  and 
they  were  all  dropt  from  the  Council.  Above  this  prejudice  none 
of  them  ever  rose,  but  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  This  appears  to 
have  had  no  operation  against  him  at  first  in  his  native  town,  nor 
among  the  more  enlightened  portion  of  the  community  :  for  the 
freemen  of  Middletown  sent  him  immediately  a  representative  to 
the  Assembly,  where  he  was  appointed  speaker  of  the  house  of 
representatives  and  member  of  the  Council  of  safety  ;  and  he  was 
representative  and  speaker  generally  at  least,  till  he  was  return- 
ed into  the  Council  in  1783.  To  this  board  he  was  returned 
the  two  succeeding  years.  He  was  long  a  professor  and  a  dea- 
con in  the  first  church  in  Middletown,  and  in  1791,  at  the  age  of 
82,  he  descended  to  the  grave,  "  respected,  beloved,  lamented." 

It  is  very  rare  for  a  family  for  three  successive  generations, 
to  be  as  highly  esteemed  as  the  Hamlin  family  has  been,  or  as 
richly  to  deserve  the  affections  and  confidence  of  the  public. 

The  Hon.  Titus  Hosmer  died  before  Col.  Hamlin,  but  was  a 
younger  man.  Fie  was  a  native  of  Hartford,  and  graduate  of 
Yale  College,  where  he  distinguished  himself  for  the  acquisition 
of  science,  particularly , the  knowledge  of  the  languages.  After 


Town  of  Middle  town.  51 

preparatory  studies  he  cemmenced  the  practice  of  law  in  Mid- 
dletown ;  where  faithfulness  to  his  clients,  and  strong  powers  of 
reasoning,  soon  raised  him  into  esteem  with  the  bar  and  the 
court;  and  secured  him,  not  only  much  professional  business, 
but  civil  offices  of  honour  and  importance.  Besides  the  com- 
mon town  offices,  and  the  commission  of  the  peace  which  he  held, 
he  was  sent  a  representative  to  the  Assembly,  a  service  for  which 
his  talents  eminently  qualified  him.  In  1777,  he  was  speaker 
of  the  house  of  representatives  ;  where  his  reasoning  and  elo- 
quence were  influential  in  prompting  the  Legislature,  to  the  adop- 
tion of  vigorous  measures  against  Great  Britain.  During  a 
part  of  the  war,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Council  of  safety.  In 
1778,  he  was  a  member  of  Congress.  In  1779  and  80,  he  was 
elected  an  assistant ;  and  in  the  last  mentioned  year  was  sent 
again  to  the  National  Legislature.  A  few  months  before  his  death, 
he  was  appointed  a  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Appeals,  established 
by  Congress,  principally  for  the  revision  of  maratime  and  admi- 
ralty causes  in  the  United  States ;  and  while  preparing  to  enter 
upon  this  office,  he  died,  Aug.  4,  1780,  at  the  age  of  44. 

His  person  was  above  the  common  size  and  his  countenance 
expressive.  His  passions  were  naturally  quick  and  strong,  but 
kept  under  vigorous  discipline.  By  nature  he  had  the  genius  of 
a  poet;  but  his  profession  led  him  to  cultivate  the  powers  of  the 
understanding,  rather  than  the  powers  of  the  imagination.  Fond 
of  conversation  and  extensively  acquainted  with  men  and  books, 
he  often  entertained  at  his  house  a  group  of  friends,  who  courted 
his  society.  In  deliberative  bodies,  he  was  always  heard  with 
that  attention  and  pleasure,  which  are  secured  by  lucid  and  man- 
ly argumentation.  He  was,  in  one  word,  a  gentleman  of  correct 
moral  habits,  a  thorough  scholar,  a  learned  and  eloquent  lawyer, 
and  a  sound  practical  statesman,  deeply  versed  in  national  law, 
and  universal  history. 

Gen.  Samuel  Holden  Parsons,  possessed  a  strong  and  active 
mind,  extensive  information,  and  was  employed  in  various  pub- 
lic, and  important  services.  He  was  a  son  of  the  Rev.  Jonathan 
Parsons,  for  some  time  minister  in  Lyme,  and  afterwards  in 
Newburyport,  Massachusetts.  For  several  years  previous  to 
the  revolutionary  war,  he  was  settled  as  a  lawyer  in  the  town 
of  New- London  ;  and  was  King's  attorney  for  the  county  of  that 
name.  When  the  war  commenced,  he  went  into  the  army  oi 
the  United  States  in  the  capacity  of  a  Lieutenant  Colonel ; 
where  he  was  advanced  to  the  rank  of  a  Brigadier  General,  and 
after  the  disability  of  Gen.  Putnam,  to  that  of  a  Major  General. 
Upon  the  cessation  of  hostilities,  he  settled  in  Middletown, 
whither  his  family  had  been  removed  during  the  revolution,  and 
resumed  the  practice  of  law.  In  the  prosecution  of  measure 

7 


o2  Statistical  Account  *f  Middlesex  County ; 

requisite  for  the  formation  of  Middlesex  County,  he  was  more 
engaged  and  more  influential  than  any  other  man.  The  same 
year  in  which  this  was  accomplished,  he  travelled  to  the  west- 
ward, and  held  a  treaty,  in  connection  with  Generals,  Richard 
Butler  and  George  R.  Clarke,  in  behalf  of  the  United  States, 
with  the  Western  Indians,  near  the  falls  of  Ohio  ;  from  which  he 
returned  the  following  spring.  In  the  beginning  of  1788,  he 
was  a  member  of  the  Convention,  which  adopted  the  National 
Constitution.  During  that  year,  Congress  appointed  him  judge 
in  the  Territorial  Government,  northwest  of  Ohio  river  ;  and  he 
went  forward  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of  that  office.  The 
next  year  he  took  an  excursion,  for  the  purpose  of  making  ar- 
rangements for  holding  a  treaty  at  some  future  time  with  Indians, 
claiming  lands  in  the  Connecticut  Reserve  ;  and  on  his  return  to 
his  residence  at  Marietta,  he  was  drowned  in  the  Great-Beaver 
creek,  Nov.  17,  1789,  at  the  age  of  52.  In  the  contemplated 
treaty,  the  late  Gov.  Wolcott  and  James  Davenport,  jr.  Esq. 
were  appointed  by  the  Government  of  Connecticut,  to  act  with 
him. 

This  list  of  characters,  may  very  properly  be  closed,  by  a 
sketch  of  the  character  of  Richard  Alsop  Esq.  who  died  sudden- 
ly at  Flatbush,  Long-Island,  on  the  16th  of  Aug.  1816,  in  the 
56th  year  of  his  age. 

Though  occasionally  engaged  in  agricultural  and  commercial 
pursuits,  Mr.  Alsop  spent  most  of  his  days  in  the  pursuit  of  ele- 
gant literature ;  for  which  he  had  an  unusual  fondness.  In  this 
pursuit,  he  became  familiarly  acquainted  with  the  literature  of 
his  own  country  and  of  the  principal  European  nations.  His 
love  of  poetry  was  enthusiastic,  and  was  abundantly  gratified  by 
reading  and  composition.  Numerous  poetical  pieces,  published 
by  him  in  news-papers  and  magazines ;  and  others,  issued  in  dif- 
ferent forms,  were  well  received,  and  did  honour  to  his  genius. 
His  translation  of  Molina's  History  of  Chili,  the  Universal  Re- 
ceipt Book,  and  the  Narrative  of  the  Sufferings  of  John  R.  Jewit, 
have  also  given  him  a  respectable  standing  as  a  prose  writer. 
All  his  compositions  are  characterized  by  purity  of  expression, 
and  indicate  that  delicacy  of  thought  and  feeling  which  appear- 
ed in  his  private  life. 

As  a  man,  as  a  scholar,  and  as  a  writer,  Mr.  Alsop  will  long 
be  remembered  with  affection  and  respect  by  his  numerous  ac- 
quaintances. 

There  hav    been  several  seasons  of  revival  in  partsDf  this  town. 

In  the  last  year  of  the  first  Mr.  Russel's  life,  34  persons 
were  admitted  to  the  communion  of  his  church,  which  ren- 
ders it  probable,  that  more  than  ordinary  religious  excitement 
nrc vailed  u'.  that  time,  among  that  portion  of  the  people. 


Town  of  Middletown.  j  '• 

to  which  he  ministered.  Ninety-nine  were  admitted  to  the 
same  church  in  1741  and  2,  the  season  of  the  great  revival  in 
New-England.  In  some  more  recent  periods,  particularly  dur- 
ing the  last  year,  many  within  the  bounds  of  the  First  Society, 
belonging  to  different  denominations,  have  been  hopefully  con- 
verted. By  revivals  in  the  Upper-Houses  in  1814,  and  in  the 
winter  of  1817  and  18,  66  persons  were  brought  into  the  Con- 
gregational, and  some  into  the  Baptist  church,  A  revival  in 
Middlefield  in  1808,  has  been  already  noticed. 

Three  charitable  societies  exist  in  the  city,  and  there  are 
some  others  in  other  parts  of  the  town. 

The  first  in  the  city,  is  the  Female  Charitable  Society,  form- 
ed in  1 809  ;  whose  special  design  is,  to  provide  for  the  education 
of  the  children  of  the  poor,  and  to  furnish  clothing  to  the  desti- 
tute. This  was  incorporated  at  the  last  session  of  the  Assembly, 
when  it  possessed  $  1 100,  in' Bank  stock. 

The  second,  is  the  Female  Benevolent  Society,  formed  in 
Aug.  1816;  auxiliary  to  the  Connecticut  Society,  for  the  edu- 
cation of  indigent  pious  young  men  for  the  ministry  of  the  Gos- 
pel. This  has  made  very  commendable  exertions. 

The  third,  is  the  Middletown  Sunday  School  Society,  formed 
in  Sept.  1818;  whose  object  is  to  communicate  religious  instruc- 
tion to  those  who  attend  its  schools,  and  the  rudiments  of  learn- 
ing, so  far  as  they  are  necessary  for  this  purpose.  Three  sun- 
day  schools  were  taught  in  the  city  last  summer,  one  composed  of 
Macks. 


A 


STATISTICAL   ACCOUNT 


TOWN  OF  CHATHAM. 


THIS  Town  belonged  to  Middletown  until  Oct.  1767;  when  it 
was  made  a  distinct  town,  and  called  Chatham,  from  the  import- 
ance of  its  shipbuilding,  in  allusion  to  Chathanrin  England. 

According  to  its  original  grant,  Middletown  extended  over  a 
tract,  on  the  east  side  of  Connecticut  river,  three  miles  broad : 
that  is,  three  miles  broad  at  the  north  and  south ;  but  which,  on 
account  of  the  windings  of  the  river,  was  less  than  three  miles  at 
Knowles's  Landing,  and  much  more  against  Middletown  City ; 
on  an  average,  about  three  and  a  half.  By  an  additional  grant, 
made  in  March  1683,  Middletown  was  extended  over  another 
tract,  further  east,  uniformly  three  miles  in  breadth. 

These  two  tracts  constitute  the  present  township  of  Chatham  ; 
which  is  not  far  from  nine  miles  long,  and  contains  about  37,440 
acres.  It  is  bounded  by  Glastenbury  on  the  north,  by  Marlbo- 
rough  and  Colchester  on  the  east,  by  East-Haddam  and  Haddam 
on  the  south,  and  by  Connecticut  river  on  the  west. 

It  embraces  Chatham  parish,  (which  was  called  East-Middle- 
town,  until  the  incorporation  of  the  town,)  the  greater  part  of 
Middle-Haddam  parish,  the  parish  of  East-Hampton,  and  part 
of  the  parish  of  Westchester. 

Some  lands  in  this  town,  against  the  city  of  Middletown,  were 
early  improved.  In  1675,  40  rights  were  laid  out  between 
Glastenbury  and  Haddam  lines,  in  Tots  21-2  miles  long,  running 
from  what  was  then  the  east  boundary  of  Middletown,  towards 
the  river  ;  the  remaining  12  rights  owned  in  the  town  being  laid 
out  in  Moromos. 

.  But  notwithstanding  these  improvements  and  divisions  of  land, 
only  two  white  families  are  known  to  have  lived  in  Chatham, 
until  after  the  commencement  of  the  last  century.  James  Stan- 


Town  of  Chatham. 

cliff  had  a  house  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  nigh  the  end  of  Chat- 
ham street,  as  early  as  1690,  and  John  Gill  had  another,  not 
far  from  that  time.  The  next  settler  after  these,  was  William 
Cornwell,  who  settled  back  from  Chatham  meadow,  about  1703. 
In  1710,  there  were  only  nine  or  ten  families  within  the  limits  of 
Chatham  parish.  The  early  settlers  in  this  parish,  after  those 
who  have  been  mentioned,  were  of  the  name  of  Bevin,  Hall,  Har- 
ris, Hubbard,  Ranney,  Sage,  Savage,  Stocking,  Warner,  White 
and  Willcox,  emigrants  from  the  two  first  parishes  in  Middle- 
town.  With  these,  were  afterwards  united,  Lemuel  Lewis  from 
the  county  of  Barnstable,  Massachusetts ;  John  Penfield,  from 
Bristol,  Rhode-Island ;  Joseph  Blague,  from  Saybrook,  John 
Churchel,  from  Weathersfield,  &c. 

A  family,  by  the  name  of  Goflfe,  settled  south  of  Knowles's  Land- 
ing about  1710,  who  were  the  first  inhabitants  within  the  limits 
of  Middle-Haddam.  Among  the  other  early  settlers  in  the  west 
part  of  that  parish,  were  a  few  persons  from  Middletown,  Ebene- 
zer  Dart  from  New  London,  and  the  ancestors  of  the  Freemans, 
Hurds,  Higginses  and  Youngses,  from  the  county  of  Barnstable. 
About  1750,  Lemuel  Daniels,  a  native  of  Colchester,  John 
Eddy,  from  Norton,  Massachusetts,  and  a  few  others,  settled  in 
the  east  part  of  the  parish. 

The  three  miles  last  granted  to  Middletown,  constitute  the 
parish  of  East-Hampton,  and  part  of  the  parish  of  Westchester. 
Many  years  after  this  was  granted,  the  question  arose  how  it 
should  be  divided  among  the  inhabitants  ;  the  proprietors  of  the 
town  of  Middletown,  or  their  representatives,  claiming  it  wholly 
as  theirs,  and  later  settlers  insisting  upon  a  share  of  it,  as  it  was 
given  to  the  town  after  they  became  inhabitants,  or  those  under 
ivhom  they  claimed.  At  length  this  friendly  compromise  was 
adopted,  that  it  should  be  divided  to  the  proprietors  of  the  town 
according  to  their  original  list  and  the  list  of  1714,  united,  and 
to  others,  according  to  the  latter  list  only. 

On  this  tract,  no  settlement  commenced  until  1 743.  At  tha* 
period,  several  families  were  induced  to  settle  in  East-Hampton, 
by  the  excellent  mill-seat  at  the  outlet  of  Pocotopogue  pond, 
where  a  forge  was  then  established.  Among  the  early  settlers  in 
this  parish,  was  a  Mr.  Miller,  from  whom  the  hill  south  of  the 
meeting-house,  is  called  Miller's  hill,  John  Clark  from  the  Up- 
per-Houses, John  Bevin  from  Chatham  parish,  David  Bailey  from 
Haddam,  Jonathan  Parmelee  from  Branford,  and  Isaac  Smith 
from  the  county  of  Barnstable.  James  Bill  from  Lebanon,  and 
Joseph  Buel  from  Colchester,  settled  here  at  later  periods. 

The  lands  in  this  township  were  obtained  from  the  Indians,  in 
connection  with  the  lands  in  Middletown.  But  a  reservation, 
laid  out  partly  at  Indian  hill,  and  partly  a  little  east  of  Chatham 


JG  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  . 

meeting-house,  was  held  by  them  till  about  1767  ;  when,  having 
dwindled  to  a  small  number,  they  sold  their  right,  and  united 
with  the  Farmington  Indians. 

These  Indians  have  been  sometimes  called  Wongonks  or 
Wongums,  but  the  reservation  was  for  the  heirs  of  Sowheag 
and  Mattabesett  Indians,  and  they  were  doubtless  of  the  same 
tribe  with  the  Indians  on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  A  little  clan 
inhabited,  or  frequented,  the  region  about  Pocotopogue  pond, 
and  had  a  place  of  rendezvous  on  the  principal  island  which 
that  incloses.  These  were  also,  probably,  a  part  of  the  Matta- 
besett Indians. 

At  Indian-hill  was  a  famous  grave-yard  ;  where  monuments 
with  inscriptions,  were  set  up  over  some  of  the  graves,  after  the 
English  settled  upon  the  river.  Indian  bones  have  been  found 
also  on  the  left  bank  of  Taylor's  creek,  as  it  enters  the  Connec- 
ticut. 

This  township  is  much  more  rough  and  uneven  than  the  town- 
ship of  Middletown.  Northwest  from  that  wide  range  of  hills, 
which  have  been  denominated  the  Strait-Hills,  is  a  considerable 
tract  of  smooth  and  very  excellent  land,  and  the  large  meadow, 
called  Wongum  meadow,  yielding  an  abundance  of  coarse  grass. 

The  other  lands  throughout  the  township,  with  few  and  small 
exceptions,  are  hard  and  stony  ;  and  in  many  cases  rocky  and 
mountainous.  Besides  the  Strait-Hills,  there  are  in  the  town, 
Great-hill,  Bald-hill,  and  many  others. 

Among  these  hills  are  many  brooks  and  small  streams,  running 
with  violence  in  moist  and  rainy  seasons.  But  there  are  no 
streams  in  the  town  meriting  particular  notice,  excepting  Salmon 
river  and  Pine  brook. 

The  former  has  its  principal  sources  in  Hebron  and  Lebanon, 
passes  through  a  part  of  Colchester,  and  then  crosses  the  eastern 
corner  of  this  town,  whence  it  formsja  boundary  between  East- 
Haddam,  and  Haddam-Neck,  to  the  Connecticut.  It  derives  its 
name  from  the  abundance  of  salmon,  which  used  to  be  found  in 
its  waters. 

Pine  brook  rises  in  Pocotopogue  pond,  and  after  a  course  of  six 
or  seven  miles,  in  the  parishes  of  East-Hampton  and  Middle- 
Haddam,  unites  with  Salmon  river,  three  miles  from  its  mouth. 
This  is  a  fine  mill-stream,  which  already  supplies  many  mills, 
and  might  supply  many  more. 

The  pond  from  which  this  issues,  is  about  nine  miles  in  cir- 
cumference, or  rather  the  ponds,  for  it  is  in  the  form  of  two 
ponds,  nearly  circular,  united  by  a  strait,  of  no  considerablr 
width  or  length.  Its  waters  are  generally  ten  feet  deep,  and  sur- 
round several  islands,  one  of  two  acres,  the  favourite  resort  of 
he  Indiana  above  mentioned.  It  is  fed  by  low  springs;  fo- 


Town  of  Chatham.  5 1 

rains,  which  fall  so  gently  as  not  to  run  off  from  the  surface  of  the 
earth,  though  long  and  great,  do  not  alter  its  height. 

Another  pond,  within  the  bounds  of  Chatham  parish,  called 
Job's  pond,  is  about  two  miles  in  circumference.  This  has  no 
outlet.  It  rises  and  falls  as  much  as  fifteen  feet ;  from  causes 
which  cannot  be  easily  explained  :  for  it  is  often  the  highest  in 
the  dryest  season  of  the  year,  and  lowest  in  the  wettest  season. 
When  it  begins  to  rise,  it  rises  regularly  for  six  or  twelve 
months,  and  then  falls  for  about  the  same  periods.  This,  in 
many  places,  is  from  40  to  60  feet  deep. 

Both  of  these  ponds  contain  small  fish,  the  first  in  considerable 
quantities. 

Besides  these,  there  is  a  pond  nigh  Connecticut  river,  called 
Pocowsot  pond,  and  some  others  in  other  parts  of  the  town,  but 
too  inconsiderable  to  be  particularly  noticed. 

At  the  foot  of  Collins's  hill  in  Chatham  parish,  is  a  chalybeate 
spring ;  which  has  been  known  for  some  years,  but  never  much 
used  for  medicinal  purposes. 

Another  spring  of  a  similar  description,  exists  in  Middlc-Had- 
dara,  on  the  bank  of  Pine  brook,  which  has  been  occasionally 
visited  for  some  time,  by  individuals  afflicted  with  cutaneous 
complaints. 

A  mile  southeast  from  this,  on  nearly  the  top  of  Bald-hill,  is 
another  spring,  from  representation,  more  strongly  impregnated 
with  iron. 

About  1762,  a  Cobalt  mine  was  opened  at  the  foot  of  Great- 
hill,  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Stephaunes,  a  German,  and  im- 
proved for  a  little  time.  About  1770,  he  renewed  the  improve- 
ment of  it,  in  connection  with  two  gentlemen  by  the  name  of 
Erkelin  and  Khool,  and  continued  it  for  two  or  three  years.  Many 
casks  of  ore  were  obtained  and  shipped  for  Europe.  But  as  all 
the  persons  concerned  in  the  mine,  labourers  as  well  as  princi- 
pals, were  foreigners,  and  as  the  ore  was  exported  ;  little  was 
known  of  its  character  or  value.  After  they  left  it,  it  was  en- 
tirely neglected  till  last  autumn.  Since  then,  several  men  have 
been  employed  in  searching  for  cobalt,  in  and  near  the  former 
openings  ;  and  have  been  so  successful,  as  to  encourage  the  hope, 
that  the  mine  will  be  permanently  improved.  The  scarcity  oi 
this  mineral,  and  its  uses  in  porcelain  and  linen  manufactories, 
render  it  highly  desirable,  that  the  contents  of  this  mine  should 
be  thoroughly  explored. 

Coal  was  discovered  at  Indian-hill  about  thirty  years  ago. 
But  whether  it  exists  there  or  in  any  other  part  of  the  town  ii: 
any  considerable  quantities,  must  be  determined  by  future  re- 
-earches. 

In  1799.  appearances  of  an  iron  mine  were  noticed  in  Collins',- 


o8  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  , 

hill :  but  the  ore  is  imbedded  in  so  hard  a  rock,  that  it  will  be 
very  difficult  to  obtain  it. 

On  the  banks  of  Connecticut  river,  half  a  mile  northeast  from 
Middletown  harbour ;  are  noted  and  very  valuable  quarries  of 
free-stone. 

The  rocks  at  the  northern  and  principal  opening  according  to 
tradition,  originally  hung  shelving  over  the  river.  They  were 
used  for  building  stone  very  soon  after  Middletown  was  settled. 
At  a  meeting  held  in  that  town  in  1665,  it  was  resolved  that  no 
one  should  dig  or  raise  stones  at  the  rocks  on  the  east  side  of 
the  river,  but  an  inhabitant  of  Middletown,  and  that  twelve  pence 
should  be  paid  to  the  town  for  every  tun  of  stones  taken.  As 
early  as  this,  they  were  transported  in  vessels  to  other  places. 
By  several  subsequent  resolves,  they  appear  to  have  been  re- 
garded as  valuable,  and  to  have  been  considerably  sought. 
Sometime  after  1726,  the  town  sold  this  quarry,  and  it  has  since 
passed  into  several  hands.  For  forty  years  past  it  has  been  ex- 
tensively improved,  and  the  stone,  to  the  depth  of  thirty  feet 
from  the  surface,  are  now  removed,  over  an  area  of  an  acre 
and  a  half,  back  from  the  river.  The  stone  in  this  quarry  is  co- 
vered in  some  places  with  four  or  five  feet  of  earth,  and  in  others 
with  four  or  five  feet  more  of  shelly  rock.  It  is  not  perfectly  so- 
lid, but  lies  in  blocks,  eight  and  ten  feet  thick,  and  fifty  and 
sixty  feet  long.  The  seams  and  joints  facilitate  the  process  oi 
removing  these  from  their  beds ;  and  when  removed,  they  are  re- 
duced by  the  wedge  and  chisel  to  any  size  or  form,  which  i- 
wished.  In  this  quarry,  thirty  hands  have  been  employed  for 
several  years,  eight  months  in  a  year,  and  from  four  to  six 
teams.  The  quantity  of  stone  prepared  for  market,  and  sold  to 
the  inhabitants  of  this  and  of  neighbouring  towns,  and  exported 
to  distant  parts  of  the  country,  has  been  very  great ;  and  ha-; 
yielded  a  handsome  profit. 

Fifty  rods  south  of  this  quarry,  an  opening  was  made  about 
1783,  now  spreading  over  half  an  acre.  Here  the  stone  is  co- 
vered with  about  ten  feet  of  earth.  In  this  opening  as  many  a- 
twelve  hands,  have  been  sometimes  employed.  Vessels  conv 
to  this,  and  the  above  quarry,  and  load  from  the  bank. 

The  bed  of  stone  in  which  these,  and  some  smaller  opening- 
in  the  neighbourhood  have  been  made,  is  immense,  and  lies  ai 
different  depths  from  the  surface,  in  different  places.  It  ha- 
been  discovered  in  sinking  wells,  for  half  a  mile  in  northern  and 
southern  directions,  and  has  been  opened  at  a  greater  distant •< 
eastward.  Wherever  found,  the  stone  possesses  the  same  genera! 
properties,  but  varies  like  the  free-stone  in  Middletown.  in  th< 
fineness  of  its  texture. 

The  forge  at  the  outlet  of  Pocotopogue  pond  has  been  generally 


Town  of  Chatham.  5.9 

improved  since  its  erection  in  1743.     Ore  for  it,  was  formerly 
brought  from  West-Point. 

In  1811,  a  woollen  factory  was  set  up  on  Pine  brook,  two 
miles  from  its  communication  with  Salmon  river.  The  quantity 
of  cloth  wholly  manufactured  here,  has  not  been  great:  conside- 
rable has  been  fulled  and  dressed  for  customers. 

A  rum  distillery,  erected  at  Knowles's  Landing  in  1785,  dis- 
'ils  300  hogsheads  of  rum  annually. 

Shipbuilding  has  long  been  an  important  business  in  this  town. 

The  first  vessel  built  in  Chatham  parish,  was  launched  in  Oct. 
1741.  This  was  a  schooner  of  90  tons,  built,  as  is  supposed,  at 
Lewis's  yard  ;  where  very  many  vessels  have  been  built  since 
that  period.  Shipbuilding  was  begun  at  Churchel's  yard  in  1 795. 
Here  12,500  tons  of  shipping  were  built,  from  the  beginning  of 
1806  to  the  close  of  1§16. 

Besides  merchant  vessels,  the  following  vessels  of  war  and 
privateers  have  been  built  in  this  parish. 

The  Trumbull  and  the  Bourbon  were  built  during  the  Ameri- 
can revolution,  the  former  of  700  tons,  36  guns  ;  the  latter  of  900 
tons,  and  intended  to  carry  40  guns,  but  not  armed  on  account  of 
the  occurrence  of  peace. 

The  Connecticut  was  built  in  1798,  of  514  tons,  20  guns. 

The  Holker  was  built  in  1813,  of  350  tons,  18  guns.  This 
was  driven  on  shore  by  the  English  at  Narragansett  and  lost. 

Another  vessel  of  the  same  name  was  built  in  1814,  of  400 
tons,  20  guns.  This  was  cast  away  in  a  storm  on  the  coast  of 
Long-Island.  The  Macedonian  was  built  the  same  year,  of  the 
same  tonnage  and  force. 

The  Saranac  and  the  Boxer  were  built  in  1815,  the  former  of 
373,  and  the  latter  of  367  tons,  each  16  guns. 

The  three  first  and  two  last  of  these  vessels  were  built  for  the 
United  States. 

The  first  ship  at  Middle-Haddam  Landing  was  built  in  1763. 
Some  small  vessels  may  have  been  built  there  before.  In  the 
two  yards  which  are  now  improved,  there  were  18  ships,  9  brigs, 
11  schooners,  and  1  sloop  built,  from  1805  to  1815,  amounting  to 
9,200  tons. 

Forty  or  fifty  years  since,  no  navigation  was  owned  in  this 
town.  Since  that  time,  a  moderate  number  of  vessels  have  been 
employed  in  the  coasting  and  West-India  trade. 

Considerable  business  has  been  carried  on  in  Chatham  parish 
in  connection  with  shipbuilding.  But  the  most  important  place 
of  business  in  this  town  is  Middle-Haddam  Landing,  five  miles 
south-easterly  from  Middletown  city,  and  two  and  a  half  from 
the  Straits. 

This  is  frequently  called  Knowles's  Landing,  from  Capt.  Cor- 

8 


60  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

nelius  Knovvles,  an  early  and  respectable  inhabitant,  who  had  a 
dwelling  house  at  this  spot,  upon  the  bank  of  the  Connecticut. 
A  store  was  opened  here  in  1758,  and  the  trade  gradually  secur- 
ed from  the  greater  part  of  Chatham,  and  to  a  considerable  ex- 
tent from  Marlborough  and  Hebron.  The  shipbuilding,  and  dis- 
tilling business  carried  on  here,  have  been  already  stated.  There 
are  now  four  merchant  stores,  some  mechanic  shops,  and  60  or 
70  dwelling  houses.  The  ground  on  which  most  of  these  stand, 
is  considerably  elevated  above  the  level  of  the  river,  but  is  low 
compared  with  the  surrounding  country,  which  rises  into  hills 
on  the  north,  east  and  south. 

The  few  families,  living  within  the  bounds  of  this  town,  at- 
tended public  worship  with  their  brethren  in  Middletown,  until 
May  1714;  when  they  were  constituted  a  new  society,  called 
the  society  of  East-Middletown.  No  other  society  existed  in 
the  town  until  1740.  By  this  time,  the  inhabitants  had  become 
considerably  numerous,  and  had  spread  generally  over  the  tract, 
first  granted  to  Middletown,  on  the  east  side  of  the  river.  In 
May,  therefore,  of  this  year,  the  inhabitants  in  the  southern  part 
of  this  tract,  together  with  the  inhabitants  of  Haddam-Neck,  in 
the  town  of  Haddam,  were  formed  into  a  new  society  ;  and  as 
their  territory  lay  partly  between  Haddam  and  East-Haddam  so- 
cieties, it  was  called  Middle-Haddam. 

The  society  of  East-Hampton  was  incorporated  in  May  1748. 

The  small  portion  of  this  town,  belonging  to  Westchester,  is 
in  its  south-eastern  corner,  separated  from  East-Hampton  and 
Middle-Haddam  by  Salmon  river.  This  is  called  Waterhole. 

The  first  church  in  this  town  was  gathered  Oct.  25,  1721,  con- 
sisting of  29  members,  who  were  probably  taken  from  the  two 
first  churches  in  Middletown.  At  the  same  time,  the  Rev. 
Daniel  Newil  was  ordained  their  pastor. 

Mr.  Newil  is  spoken  of  as  a  gentleman  of  worth ;  and  some 
special  awakening  is  said  to  have  accompanied  his  labours.  He 
deceased  in  1731. 

The  Rev.  Moses  Bartlet  succeeded  Mr.  Newil  in  1733;  and 
in  connection  with  the  appropriate  duties  of  his  office,  was  em- 
ployed to  a  considerable  extent  as  a  physician.  He  died  in 
1766,  and  his  people,  in  respect  to  his  memory,  erected  a  monu- 
ment over  his  grave. 

Mr.  Bartlet  was  succeeded  by  the  late  Dr.  Strong,  in  1767. 

Dr.  Strong  was  highly  and  deservedly  esteemed  for  his  good 
sense,  his  thorough  acquaintance  with  theology,  and  his  uniform 
f.uid  blameless  conversation.  In  the  relations  of  private  life,  as 
a  companion  and  friend,  few  have  been  more  beloved;  and 
though  as  a  preacher,  he  had  not  that  fervency  of  address  and 
brilliancy  of  imagination,  which  are  requisite  to  catch  the  atten- 


Town  of  Chatham.  ^l 

tion  of  the  multitude  for  the  moment,  yet  his  prayers  were  dis- 
tinguished for  appropriateness  and  solemnity,  and  his  sermons 
tor  clear  reasoning  and  sound  instruction.  Several  of  his  occa- 
sional sermons  and  controversial  pieces  are  in  print,  and  do  ho- 
nour to  his  understanding  and  to  his  heart.  The  principal  of 
these,  are  an  election  sermon,  and  two  inquiries,  respecting  the 
nature  and  design  of  Christian  baptism.  Jn  the  midst  of  numer- 
ous trials,  with  which  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  afflict  him,  he  was 
calm  and  resigned.  The  prominent  features  of  his  character, 
are  happily  expressed  upon  his  monument:  "  In  morals  exem- 
plary ;  in  doctrine  uncorrupt ;  in  reasoning  profound  :  in  de- 
claring God's  counsel  perspicuous  and  solemn,  and  in  death 
peaceful." 

The  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark  succeeded  Dr.  Strong  in  1812,  and 
was  dismissed  in  1815.  He  is  now  settled  in  the  parish  of  Tur- 
key-Hills, in  Granby,  and  preaches  alternately  to  the  congrega- 
tion in  that  place,  and  to  the  convicts  in  the  state  prison. 

The  Rev.  Hervey  Talcott,  the  present  pastor  of  Chatham 
church,  was  ordained  in  1816. 

The  church  in  Middle-Haddam  was  gathered,  Sept.  24,  1740, 
and  then  consisted  of  13  male  members,  7  of  whom  lived  on  Had- 
dam-Neck. 

At  the  same  time,  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Bowers  was  set  over 
them  in  the  Lord.  He  died  in  1762,  having  sustained  the  repu- 
tation of  a  faithful  minister. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  Boardman,  who  had  been  a  tutor  at  Yale 
College,  succeeded  Mr.  Bowers  in  1 762.  As  difficulties  from 
two  or  three  causes,  arose  between  him  and  his  people,  he  was 
dismissed  in  1783.  On  the  5th  of  May,  in  the  following  year, 
he  was  ordained  in  the  south  church  in  Hartford,  where  he  died 
Feb.  12,  1802,  aged  70. 

The  Rev.  David  Selden,  now  pastor  of  Middle-Haddam  church, 
was  ordained  in  1785. 

The  church  at  East-Hampton  was  organized,  Nov.  30,  1748, 
and  the  Rev.  John  Norton,  who  had  been  settled  at  Bernards- 
town  in  Massachusetts,  was  at  the  same  time  installed  its  pastor. 

In  the  first  French  war,  Mr.  Norton  acted  for  a  season  as 
chaplain,  at  the  fort  which  was  then  kept  at  Hoosuck,  now 
Adams.  He  was  there  at  the  time  that  was  surprised  and  taken, 
by  a  party  of  French  and  Indians  ;  whence  he  was  carried  cap- 
live  into  Canada.  After  his  release,  he  came  to  this  place,  where 
he  died  of  the  smallpox  in  1778. 

The  Rev.  Lemuel  Parsons  succeeded  Mr.  Norton,  in  the 
charge  at  East-Hampton  in  1779,  and  died  in  1791,  two  days 
ifter  he  had  closed  the  twelfth  year  of  his  ministry. 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County. 

The  Rev.  Joel  West,  the  successor  of  Mr.  Parsons,  was  01 
dained  in  1792. 

A  revival  spread  in  this  parish  to  some  extent  the  last  season, 
and  also  in  Middle-Haddam. 

A  small  Episcopal  society  was  gathered  in  the  eastern  section 
of  the  latter  parish  in  1771.  This  held  meetings  for  a  few  years, 
but  is  now  dissolved. 

The  Episcopal  society,  at  Middle-Haddam  Landing,  was  form- 
ed April  25,  1785;  and  the  Episcopal  society  in  Chatham  pa- 
rish, April  17,  1789. 

These  belonged  to  the  care  of  Mr.  Jarvis  of  Middletown  un- 
til April  1791. 

For  the  two  succeeding  years,  the  Rev.  Tillotson  Bronson. 
now  preceptor  of  the  Episcopal  Academy  at  Cheshire,  divided 
his  labours  equally  between  them  ;  and  then  they  reverted  to 
the  care  of  Mr.  Jarvis. 

From  1796  to  1810,  the  Rev.  M.  Smith  Miles  was  considered 
as  settled  over  them.  Since  the  last  mentioned  period,  he  has 
preached  to  the  Episcopalians  in  Chatham  parish,  and  in  Glas- 
tenbury ;  and  the  Episcopal  society  at  the  Landing,  has  receiv- 
ed occasionally  the  services  of  various  ministers,  or  of  various 
ministers  for  short  periods. 

A  Baptist  church  which  was  formed  in  the  northeast  extremity 
of  Chatham  parish,  in  1 783,  and  which  received  a  part  of  its 
members  from  Glastenbury,  has  been  since  dissolved. 

A  few  Baptist  families  by  the  name  of  Morgan,  Webb  and 
Welsh,  who  had  lived  for  a  time  in  Nova-Scotia,  but  were  pre- 
viously from  Colchester  in  this  State,  moved  into  East-Hampton 
about  1775.  A  Baptist  church  was  formed  among  these,  Sept. 
10,  1784.  The  Strict-Congregationalists  in  Haddam,  professing 
themselves  Baptists,  united  with  them  in  1792.  The  two 
branches  of  the  church  have  ever  maintained  public  worship  se- 
parately, but  remain  connected. 

The  Methodists  arose  in  Middle-Haddam,  in  the  summer  of 
1792,  and  thence  spread  into  East-Hampton.  They  had  at  one 
time  fifty  communicants :  but  the  number  of  professors  among 
them,  has  greatly  diminished. 

The  first  parish  in  this  town  has  a  fund  devoted  to  schooling, 
derived  from  various  sources,  which  yields  annually  $  24.  The 
number  of  schools  in  this  parish  is  7.  The  number  in  that  part 
of  Middle-Haddam,  which  belongs  to  Chatham,  is  5,  two  of 
which  are  taught  by  men  the  year  round.  East-Hampton  has 
6  schools,  and  there  is  one  in  Waterhole. 


STATISTICAL   ACCOUNT 


OF   THE 


TOWN  OF  HADDAM. 


THE  lands  in  this  town,  together  with  those  in  East-Haddaia, 
were  long  denominated,  the  lands  at  Thirty-mile  island,  from 
Haddam  island  in  Connecticut  river,  which  was  calculated  to  be 
the  distance  of  thirty  miles  from  its  mouth. 

On  these  lands,  individuals  contemplated  making  a  settlement 
in  1660,  and  the  Legislature,  apprized  of  their  designs,  appoint- 
ed a  committee  in  October  of  that  year,  to  purchase  them  from  the 
Indians.  But  prevented  by  some  unknown  cause,  the  committee 
did  not  accomplish  the  object  of  their  appointment  until  the  20th 
of  May  1662;  when  they  obtained  from  the  Indians  a  deed  of 
all  the  lands  from  the  Straits,  six  miles  east  and  west  of  the  ri- 
ver, down  to  the  lower  side  of  Pattaquounk,  now  Chester  mea- 
dow, at  the  crooks  or  bends  of  Chester  river :  excepting  Thir- 
ty-mile island,  and  forty  acres  at  Pattaquounk,  Twenty -mile 
island,  and  a  tract  on  the  adjacent  shore  eastward,  running  up  to 
Salmon-river  cove. 

Thirty-mile  island  and  the  forty  acres  at  Pattaquounk,  the  In- 
dians reserved  for  themselves  ;  as  they  did  also  the  right  of 
hunting  and  fishing  where  they  pleased,  provided  they  did  not 
wrong  or  abuse  the  English. 

Twenty-mile  island,  (now  Lord's  island,)  and  the  tract  east- 
ward, they  had  previously  disposed  of,  and  these  had  been  al- 
ready laid  out,  ten  years  for  Capt.  John  Cullick,  for  some  time 
secretary  of  Connecticut  Colony. 

The  consideration  for  this  purchase  was  thirty  coats,  which 
may  have  been  worth  one  hundred  dollars. 

The  lands,  thus  purchased,  were  taken  up  by  twenty-eight 
young  men,  who  settled  upon  them  in  the  summer  of  1662  or 
soon  after :  but  the  entire  territory  contemplated  in  the  Indian 


64  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 

deed,  was  never  confirmed  to  them.  It  interfered  with  the  ter- 
ritory already  confirmed  to  Middletown,  and  of  course  Middle- 
town  south  bounds,  some  distance  below  the  Straits,  were 
established  as  their  north  line.  Concerning  their  south  line, 
much  difficulty  arose  between  them  and  the  people  of  Say- 
brook.  Some  time  prior  to  1 662,  the  Legislature  had  granted  to 
Saybrook,  (then  including  Lyme,)  to  extend  their  bounds  foui 
miles  northward.  These  four  miles  were  covered  by  the  deed, 
which  the  people  of  Thirty-mile  island  held  from  the  Indian^ 
Saybrook  therefore  claimed  the  tract,  by  virtue  of  the  grant  from 
the  Legislature ;  and  Thirty-mile  island,  by  virtue  of  the  pur- 
chase from  the  Indians,  which  the  Legislature  had  authorized. 
In  May  1667,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  the  difficul- 
ties between  these  two  plantations,  concerning  this  subject. 
Saybrook  expressed  a  willingness  to  divide  the  contested  land 
equally;  a  proposal,  which  the  Legislature  in  1668,  advised 
Thirty-mile  island  to  accept.  But  as  the  matter  remained  un- 
settled, an  order  was  issued  the  following  year,  that  it  should  be 
thus  divided  ;  one  half  to  Haddam,  and  one  half  to  Saybrook 
and  Lyme  ;  and  the  division  was  made  accordingly :  but  the  in- 
habitants of  Haddam  are  dissatisfied  respecting  it  to  this  day. 

By  these  alterations  their  purchase  was  considerably  reduc- 
ed, both  in  quantity  and  value.  But  in  Oct.  1673,  it  was  grant- 
ed to  them,  on  certain  conditions  to  extend  their  north  line  so 
far  eastward  of  Connecticut  river,  as  to  make  their  east  bounds 
a  north  and  south  line,  and  it  was  extended  accordingly.  By 
this  grant  their  territory  east  of  the  river  was  increased  about 
one  third,  and  their  previous  losses  in  part  made  up  to  them. 

The  lands  thus  reduced  on  the  north  and  south,  and  thus  in- 
creased at  the  northeast,  constitute  the  two  townships  of  Had- 
dam and  East-Haddam,  and  that  part  of  Durham  which  is  called 
Haddam-Quarter. 

Haddam,  (of  which  an  account  is  now  to  be  given,)  consists  oi 
Haddam  Society,  and  Haddam-Neck,  belonging  to  the  Society  of 
Middle-Haddam. 

Haddam  Society  lies  west  of  Connecticut  river,  and  is  bound- 
ed on  the  south  by  Saybrook  and  Killingworth,  on  the  west  by 
Durham,  and  on  the  north  by  Middletown  ;  being  at  a  medium 
seven  miles  long  and  from  four  to  six  broad. 

Haddam-Neck  is  a  point  of  land  east  of  Connecticut  river,  be- 
tween that  and  Salmon  river,  four  miles  across  on  the  north,  and 
four  miles  long. 

The  number  of  acres  in  the  whole  town  is  computed  to  be 
29,460. 

All  the  proprietors  of  Haddam  settled  at  first  within  the  limits 
of  Haddam  Society.  Their  names  were  Nicholas  Achley,  Jo- 


Town  of  Haddam.  Go 

seph  Arnold,  John  Bailey,  Daniel  Brainard,  Thomas  Brooks, 
William  Clarke,  Daniel  Cone,  George  Gates,  Thomas  Shayler, 
Gerrard  Spencer,  John  Spencer,  Simon  Smith,  William  Ventres, 
James  Wells,  James  Bates,  Samuel  Butler,  William  Corbe, 
Abram  Dibble,  Samuel  Ganes,  John  Hannison,  Richard  Jones, 
Stephen  Luxford,  John  Parents,  Richard  Piper,  Thomas  Smith, 
Joseph  Stannard,  John  Webb  and  John  Wiat. 

Those  whose  names  are  printed  in  italics,  are  known  to  have 
emigrated  immediately  from  Hartford,  and  most  of  the  others, 
probably  emigrated  from  that  town,  or  the  neighbouring  towns 
of  Weathersfield  and  Windsor. 

They  settled  generally  on  the  rising  ground  back  from  the 
lown  meadow,  beginning  at  the  eastern  point  of  Walkley-hill,  and 
so  extending  down  to  the  town  grave-yard,  where  some  of  their 
cellars  are  still  visible. 

James  Bates,  Abram  Dibble,  Samuel  Ganes,  John  Hannison, 
Richard  Jones,  John  Parents  and  William  Ventres,  settled  on 
the  plain  below  Mill  creek,  and  were  called  the  Lower  Planta- 
tion. 

These  settlers  were  invested  with  town  privileges  in  Oct.  1668, 
and  the  town  was  called  Haddam ;  probably  from  Haddam  or 
Hadham  in  England,  in  both  which  ways  the  name  of  this  town 
was  formerly  spelt. 

Not  far  from  this  time,  Richard  Walkley  from  Hartford,  John 
Bates,  William  Scovil  and  some  others  settled  in  the  town,  and 
on  Feb.  11,  1686,  the  Assembly  gave  to  the  inhabitants  a  patent, 
of  all  the  lands  which  had  been  previously  granted  them,  thereby 
confirming  the  grants,  with  all  their  appurtenances  and  privi- 
leges, to  them,  and  their  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever. 

The  settlement  in  this  town  was  confined  to  the  western  bor- 
der of  the  river  for  thirty  or  forty  years.  After  this,  individuals 
began  to  move  into  the  back  parts  of  Haddam  Society.  Within 
the  limits  of  this  society,  the  ancestors  of  the  Dickinsons,  Hub- 
bards  and  Rays  settled,  about  the  commencement  of  the  last  cen- 
tury ;  and  the  ancestors  of  the  Lewises,  Hazeltons,  Tylers,  Hig- 
ginses,  Thomases,  Knowleses,  Burrs,  &c.  at  after  periods. 

Stephen  Smith  from  West-Haven,  John  Sutliff,  Nathaniel  Sut- 
liff, and  Joseph  Sutliff,  were  early  settlers  in  Haddam  Quarter. 
The  settlers  in  this  quarter  were  long  permitted  to  attend  public 
worship  in  Durham,  and  in  Oct.  1773,  they  were  formally  an- 
nexed to  that  town. 

Thomas  Selden  immediately  from  Lyrne,  but  previously  from 
Iladley  in  Massachusetts,  and  one  or  two  families  of  Brainerds, 
settled  on  Haddam  Neck  about  1712. 

The  Indians,  who  reserved  Thirty-mile  island  and  forty  acres 
at  Pattaquounk  for  themselves,  remained  on  thoso  reservation^ 


66  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  } 

for  many  years  ;  but  the  latter,  in  consequence  of  the  alteration 
made  in  the  bounds  of  Haddam,  lies  within  the  present  limits  ot 
Saybrook.  A  few  inhabited  Thirty-mile  island,  within  the 
memory  of  persons  living ;  and  had  a  place  of  resort  in  a  deep 
hollow  on  Haddam-Neck,  to  the  northeast ;  which  is  still  known 
by  the  name  of  Indian  hollow,  as  the  brook  running  through  it  is, 
by  the  name  of  Indian  brook. 

They  had  no  name  for  the  township  of  Haddam  at  large,  but 
called  the  northern  part  of  Haddam  Society,  Higganompos  ;  which 
the  English  have  changed  to  Higganum,  and  now  apply  to  a 
stream  of  water,  and  to  the  neighbourhood  about  its  mouth.  The 
west  part  of  this  society  they  called,  Cockaponset;  which  the 
English  have  changed  to  Punset  and  apply  to  the  same  region. 

In  the  introductory  part  of  this  work,  it  was  observed,  that  the 
land  south  from  the  Straits  rises  into  hills,  at  small  but  unequal 
distances  to  the  right. and  left  of  Connecticut  river,  to  within  a 
few  miles  of  its  mouth.  This  is  particularly  the  fact  throughout 
this  town.  The  northwest  corner  of  Haddam  Society  is  also 
passed  by  the  Strait-Hills,  nearly  parallel  with  which  is  a  range 
of  hills  of  no  particular  name,  between  the  middle  and  south 
branches  of  Higganum  river.  South  of  Mill  creek,  west  of  the 
range  of  hills  near  the  river,  is  Long  Hill.  On  Haddam-Neck, 
beside  the  hills  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Connecticut,  is  a  range  or 
collection  of  hills  between  Pine  brook  and  Salmon  river.  The 
tract  between  these  streams  has  sometimes  been  called  Little- 
Neck. 

Higganum  river  is  the  principal  stream  in  Haddam  Society. 
This  has  three  branches ;  the  northern  rising  in  Middletown,  the 
middle  in  the  northeast  extremity  of  Killing-worth,  and  the 
southern  in  the  western  part  of  Haddam.  These  unite  half  a 
mile  from  the  Connecticut,  and  form  one  of  the  best  stands  for  a 
large  manufacturing  establishment  to  be  found  in  the  County  or 
State.  In  the  course  of  twenty-five  rods,  the  water  falls  thirty- 
one  feet,  and  the  fall  might  be  considerably  increased  by  means 
of  a  dam.  In  this  distance  the  whole  stream  may  be  used  three 
times ;  and  in  the  last  instance,  in  which  the  fall  is  the  greatest, 
there  is  always  a  sufficiency  of  water  for  two  run  of  stones.  To 
this  spot  the  river  is  navigable  for  boats.  On  this  site  a  mill  has 
been  erected  within  a  few  months,  containing  three  run  of  stones 
and  an  oakum  factory  ;  and  one  of  the  other  sites  has  been  im- 
proved several  years  for  a  clothiers  works.  It  is  probable  that 
other  mills  or  factories  will  be  erected  here  at  no  very  distant 
periods,  and  that  a  village  will  be  raised  up  in  the  neighbour- 
hood. Were  heavy  machinery  placed  here,  light  machinery 
might  be  turned  by  the  branches  of  Higganum  river  within  a 
UttTe  distance.  In  addition  to  theie  advantages,  this  stand  is 


Town  of  Haddarn.  6? 

favorably  situated  in  regard  to  public  roads,  and  can  be  more 
easily  supplied  with  materials  for  building,  and  with  fuel,  than 
most  manufacturing  stands  in  this  part  of  the  Country. 

Mill  Creek,  the  only  other  stream  of  consequence  in  this  Socie- 
ty, is  formed  by  two  branches,  which  rise  near  the  north  west  cor- 
ner of  Saybrook.  After  a  course  of  two  or  three  miles,  they 
unite,  within  a  mile  of  -Connecticut  river.  On  this  stream  the 
first  corn-mill  in  Haddam  was  erected,  which  has  given  to  it  it?, 
name. 

Some  of  the  intervals  on  these  streams,  and  some  larger  tracts 
near  the  Connecticut,  arc  rich  and  productive.  The  other  land> 
throughout  the  township  are  generally  hard,  and  of  an  indifferen' 
quality  ;  and  considerable  tracts  are  too  rough  for  tillage,  but 
yield  some  pasture,  and  a  pretty  heavy  growth  of  wood. 

The  numerous  granite  quarries  in  this  town  bid  fair  to  be  a 
permanent  and  important  source  of  wealth. 

In  some  of  the  quarries  the  stone  are  finer  and  softer  than  in 
others  ;  but  in  all  are  considerably  harder  than  the  free-stone  in 
Middletown  and  Chatham  ;  and  less  suitable,  of  course,  for  any 
purpose  in  which  nice  operations  of  the  chisel  are  needed.  But 
as  taken  from  their  beds,  one  surface  is  generally  smooth,  or 
sufficiently  so  for  curbing  and  paving,  the  purposes  to  which 
they  are  more  generally  applied.  They  are  also  prepared 
abundantly,  and  are  very  useful,  for  underpinning  and  step- 
stones,  and  for  fire-places.  In  their  natural  situation,  they  some- 
times rise  above  the  surface  of  the  ground,  in  others  sink  below 
it,  or  are  covered  with  shelly  and  useless  stone.  The  seams  in 
the  principal  openings  run  almost  perpendicularly,  at  different 
distances  from  each  other,  and  descend  to  different  depths. 
Blocks  of  various  dimensions,  are  therefore  taken  from  their  beds, 
and  then  split  and  broken  as  is  wished. 

The  first  opening  was  made  at  Quarry-Hill,  on  Haddam-Ncck. 
about  1762.  Since  that  time,  several  other  openings  have  been 
made  in  this  hill.  They  are  from  fifty  to  seventy  rods  from  thr 
river  ;  and  the  descent  for  a  portion  of  the  way  is  so  great,  thai 
the  removal  of  the  stone  is  attended  with  some  difficulty. 

Haifa  mile  south  of  Quarry-Hill,  and  at  about  the  same  distance 
from  the  river,  a  quarry  was  opened  ten  or  twelve  years  ago. 
called  Shayler's  Quarry. 

On  a  hill,  below  Haddam-street,  ninety  or  a  hundred  rods 
from  the  river,  a  quarry  was  opened  about  1 794.  Of  this  quar- 
ry it  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  the  stone  range  exactly  with  the 
stone  in  the  oldest  quarry  on  Haddam- Neck,  which  has  given 
rise  to  an  opinion  that  the  quarries  extend  under  the  bed  of  the 
river.  On  this  hill  several  quarries  are  now  improved ;  some 

9 


68  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

arc  improved  on  Long-Hill  further  south  ;  and  very  recently  two 
or  three  have  been  opened  in  the  western  part  of  the  town. 

In  all  these  quarries,  from  eighty  to  ninety  hands  have  been 
employed,  in  some  seasons,  in  getting  out  and  preparing  the 
stone,  and  in  carting  them  to  the  wharves  on  the  river :  whence 
they  are  transported,  not  only  to  the  neighbouring  towns,  but  to 
Rhode-Island,  Boston,  New- York,  Albany,  Baltimore,  and  as 
far  south  as  Petersburg.  New- York,  however,  is  the  principal 
market. 

They  are  sold  by  the  foot ;  for  curbing,  of  four  inches  thick- 
ness, from  17  to  21  cents  ;  for  paving,  of  two  inches  thickness, 
from  10  to  14  cents  ;  for  underpinning  and  other  uses,  they  are 
sold  higher,  according  to  their  thickness,  quality,  and  the  labour 
bestowed  upon  them. 

More  wood  is  exported  from  this  town  than  from  any  other 
town  in  the  county.  From  Higganum  Landing  2000  cords  were 
exported  in  1807,  and  probably  1000  from  other  places,  making 
3000  from  the  town :  and  it  may  be  fairly  calculated  that  from 
2500  to  3000  are  annually  exported.  This  is  also  carried  prin- 
cipally to  New- York. 

A  scythe  factory  was  improved  some  years  ago  on  Pine-brook, 
but  has  now  gone  to  decay. 

Agin  distillery  set  up  in  Haddam  Society  in  1813,  distil? 
250  hogsheads  of  giri  annually. 

Shipbuilding  was  begun  a  century  ago  in  this  town,  on  the 
bank  of  the  river,  west  of  Haddam  island.  It  was  afterwards 
carried  on  in  the  lower  part  of  the  town  ;  and  vessels  have  been 
occasionally  built  at  various  places.  A  sloop  was  launched  at 
Higganum  Landing  in  1754  ;  a  few  vessels  were  built  there  soon 
after ;  and  since  1760,  shipbuilding  has  been  a  regular  business 
at  this  place.  Two  yards  are  usually  improved  :  for  which,  oak 
timber  and  plank  are  procured  from  the  back  parts  of  Haddam, 
and  from  North  Killingworth. 

A  store  was  opened  at  this  landing  in  1752,  and  since  that 
time,  more  business  has  been  done  there,  than  at  any  other  place 
in  Haddam. 

The  inhabitants  have  five  or  six  vessels  usually  employed  in 
coasting,  and  sometimes  two  or  three  employed  in  trading  to  the 
West  Indies. 

The  emigrations  from  this  town  have  been  very  numerous. 
Of  the  twenty-eight  proprietors  which  have  been  mentioned,  the 
fourteen  last  named  have  no  descendants  in  this  town  at  the  pre- 
sent time,  or  none  of  their  names ;  nor  indeed  in  East-Haddam. 
The  names  of  some  later  settlers  are  now  extinct  with  us.  With- 
in the  compass  of  twenty  years  a  number  of  families  have  remov- 


Town  of  Haddam.  69 

ed  to  Leyden  in  the  State  of  New- York ;  others  have  removed 
to  other  parts  of  the  country. 

Public  worship  has  been  observed  in  this  town  from  the  be- 
ginning; and  for  ten  or  twelve  years  it  was  attended  in  a  pri- 
vate dwelling. 

fn  dividing  their  land,  the  proprietors  reserved  one  right  for 
him  who  should  be  their  first  minister,  and  one  right  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  ministry  for  ever ;  and  they  made  commendable  ef- 
forts to  support  the  institutions  of  the  Gospel. 

The  first  minister  of  whom  any  mention  is  made  in  the  early 
records  of  the  town,  was  the  Rev.  Jonathan  Willaube,  who  re- 
mained with  the  people  only  a  short  season. 

The  Rev.  Nicholas  Noyes,  a  native  of  Newbury,  Mass,  and 
graduate  of  Cambridge  College,  succeeded  him  in  1668,  and  re- 
mained in  the  town  thirteen  or  fourteen  years.  He  afterwards 
settled  in  Salem,  and  was  greatly  distinguished  in  his  day,  as  a 
scholar  and  a  divine.  Salem,  and  the  adjacent  part  of  the  coun- 
try, the  churches,  university  and  people  of  New  England,  are 
said  to  have  esteemed  him  a  principal  part  of  their  glory.  The 
greatest  blot  upon  his  character  was  occasioned  by  his  efforts 
against  those  who  were  charged  with  witchcraft  at  Salem;  an 
orror  which  he  afterwards  lamented,  and  abundantly  confessed. 
He  died  Dec.  13,  1707,  in  the  70th  year  of  his  age. 

An  effort  was  made  early  in  1682*,  to  procure  the  Rev.  John 
James  to  preach  in  this  town,  and  he  afterwards  instructed  the 
people;  but  how  soon,  and  for  how  long  a  period,  does  not  ap- 
pear. After  leaving  this  place,  he  settled  in  Derby. 

Mr.  James  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  native  of  Wales.  He 
possessed  a  respectable  character  both  for  learning  and  piety, 
but  was  distinguished  by  very  great  singularities.  Some  ludi- 
crous anecdotes  are  transmitted  respecting  him,  and  are  now 
widely  circulated  in  the  country. 

Neither  of  the  above  ministers  were  ordained  in  Haddam,  and 
during  their  continuance,  professors  of  religion  repaired  to  Mid- 
dletown,  and  perhaps  occasionally  to  Saybrook  for  special  ordi- 
nances :  but  Mr.  Noyes  remained  with  the  people  so  long,  that 
they  gave  him  the  right  of  land  reserved  for  the  first  minister. 

In  1690  or  91,  the  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hobart,  who  had  been  set- 
tled for  a  time  in  Topsfield,  Massachusetts,  and  in  Hempstead, 
on  Long-Island,  was  employed  as  a  preacher  in  this  town ;  and 
in  August  of  the  latter  year,  the  inhabitants  made  him  proposals 
for  settlement ;  which  he  accepted.  From  this  time  they  ap- 
pear to  have  regarded  him  as  their  pastor,  although  not  for- 
mally installed,  and  he  probably  administered  ordinances  to 
those  who  had  named  the  name  of  Christ ;  but  as  some  difficul- 
ties arose  afterwards,  they  voted,  in  April  1695,  that  they  did  not 


,U  .S/«//',:/?u//  ilisiouiil  of  Middlesex  County  $ 

consider  themselves  as  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  Hobart  as  pas- 
tor, and  that  with  consent  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  of  neigh- 
bouring churches,  they  would  embody  in  church  way  and  order, 
according  to  the  Gospel.  Accordingly  the  church  was  regularly 
organized  the  next  year.  But  the  difficulties  continuing  between 
Mr.  Hoburt  and  the  people,  a  respectable  committee,  appointed 
by  the  Assembly  at  their  joint  request,  met  in  Haddam  Nov.  25, 
1698  ;  who,  after  passing  various  resolves  with  a  view  to  the  re- 
storation of  harmony,  declared  upon  deliberate  consideration, 
that  the  agreement  between  them,  was,  both  in  point  of  law  and 
equity,  valid  and  binding  to  each  party,  and  they  advised  the 
people  to  call  Mr.  Hobart  to  the  full  execution  of  the  office  of  a 
pastor  among  them.  This  advice  seems  finally  to  have  been  ac- 
cepted, for  in  June  1700,  they  voted  to  call  a  council  to  install 
him  ;  and  he  was  accordingly  installed  the  Nov.  following  ;  when 
he  was  in  the  70th  year  of  his  age.  Of  his  talents  and  charac- 
ter very  little  is  known.  He  became  the  subject  of  infirmities 
some  years  before  his  death,  and  was  unable  to  perform  official 
services.  Nov.  6,  1715,  being  the  Lord's  day,  he  attended  pub- 
lic worship  in  the  forenoon,  and  received  the  sacrament;  and 
during  the  intermission  expired,  sitting  in  his  chair. 

The  Rev.  Phinehas  Fiske,  son  of  Dr.  John  Fiske  of  Milford, 
was  ordained  colleague  pastor  with  Mr.  Hobart  in  Sept.  1714. 

This  excellent  man  received  his  education  at  Killingworth,  un- 
der the  venerable  rector  Pierson,  where  he  became  a  tutor  in  the 
autumn  preceding  the  rector's  death.  Upon  that  afflictive  event, 
in  March  1707,  the  senior  class  being  removed  to  Milford,  the 
other  classes  were  placed  under  the  special  care  of  Mr.  Fiske  at. 
Saybrook,  until  commencement.  After  that,  all  the  classes  were 
instructed  at  Saybrook  by  him  and  a  fellow-tutor  for  several 
years,  with  great  fidelity  and  success.  While  the  churches  in  the 
Colony  were  looking  to  this  institution  for  pastors,  he  was  the 
honoured  instrument  of  preparing  a  number  in  part  for  their 
work,  and  rendered  great  service  to  the  cause  of  literature  and 
religion.  His  fame  as  an  instructor,  at  that  time,  was  very  great. 
Before  he  left  the  tutorship  he  became  a  licentiate,  and  preach- 
ed occasionally  in  Haddam.  His  talents  were  solid  rather  than 
brilliant,  and  his  sermons  of  course  were  better  calculated  to  in- 
struct the  understanding  than  to  move  the  passions.  He  was 
uniformly  regarded  as  a  gentleman  of  science,  and  as  a  serious 
and  excellent  character;  and  his  name  is  precious  among  the 
{>;  ople  of  Haddam  and  of  the  vicinity  to  this  day. 

The  Rev.  Aaron  Cleveland  succeeded  him  in  1739,  and  wa.- 
dismissed  in  1746. 

Mr.  Cleveland  was  a  gentleman  of  respectable  talents,  and  a 
Mopular  and  engaging  preacher.  After  leaving  Haddam,  he  was 


Town  of  Haddani,  71 

minister  successively  at  Maiden,  Mass,  at  Halifax,  in  Nova-Sco- 
tia, and  at  Lewiston,  in  Delaware  ;  at  the  last  place  as  an  Epis- 
copalian. On  a  journey  to  visit  his  family,  residing  in  New- 
England,  he  was  taken  'sick  and  died  at  Philadelphia,  at  the 
house  of  Dr.  Franklin,  his  old  friend  and  acquaintance  ;  and  his 
body  was  carried  to  Lewiston  and  buried. 

The  Rev.  Joshua  Elderkin  was  ordained  in  Haddam  in  1749, 
and  dismissed  in  1753. 

The  Rev.  Eleazer  May  succeeded  him,  in  1756,  and  after  a 
ministry  of  almost  forty-seven  years,  died  in  1803. 

The  Rev.  David  D.  Field  was  ordained  in  this  place  in  1804, 
and  dismissed  in  April  1818. 

The  Rev.  John  Marsh  jr.  was  ordained  his  successor  in  Dec. 
following. 

In  the  account  of  Chatham,  it  was  stated  that  Haddam-Neck 
was  constituted  a  part  of  Middle-Haddam  in  1740.  It  may  be 
proper  to  add  here  that  the  Neck  contains  about  one  third  part 
of  the  Congregational  society  and  church  in  that  place. 

Sixty  or  seventy  years  since,  a  few  individuals  began  to  hold 
meetings  in  the  lower  part  of  Haddam  Society,  who  were  custo- 
marily called  New-lights  cr  Separates.  In  1785,  they  were 
formed  into  a  Strict-Congregational  society,  and  in  1792,  they 
professed  themselves  Baptists,  and  united,  as  was  related  in  the 
account  of  Chatham,  with  the  Baptists  in  East-Hampton.  They 
hold  meetings  constantly  in  Haddam,  and  have  some  families  be- 
longing to  them,  from  the  bounds  of  Chester  in  Saybrook. 

The  Methodists,  in  the  western  part  of  Haddam  Society,  arose 
in  1791,  2  and  3,  and  in  the  lower  part  of  it,  in  1803.  These, 
with  what  Methodists  exist  in  other  parts  of  the  society,  are  con- 
nected, and  have  an  accession  of  members  from  North-Killing- 
vvorth. 

The  rise  of  Methodism  in  Middle-Haddam  was  noticed  in 
treating  of  Chatham. 

For  seventy  years,  only  a  single  school  was  taught  in  Had- 
dam. In  1732,  a  vote  was  passed  that  the  school  should  be  kept 
throe  months  at  the  school-house,  and  then  moved  successively 
in  other  parts  of  the  town  ;  not  far  from  which  time  new  districts 
were  formed.  The  number  of  schools  in  Haddam  Society  at  this 
;iine  i.-,  twelve,  two  and  sometimes  three  of  which  are  taught  by 
mrti  through  the  year  ;  and  there  is  one  school  on  Haddam- 
Nrck,  winch  has  the  benefit  of  a  small  fund. 

Among  the  distinguished  individuals'who  have  been  natives  of 
ihis  town,  the  Hon.  Hezekiah  Brainerd,  and  his  son  the  Rev. 
David  Brainerd,  deserve  to  be  particularly  mentioned. 

The  former,  under  those  disadvantages  for  education  which 
f  xisied  in  his  day,  acquired  a  respectable  cortion  of  information 


72  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County . 

Early  sanctified  by  divine  grace  also,  he  gave  himself  up  to  UK: 
practice  of  religion,  and  became  distinguished  for  piety  as  well 
as  abilities.  His  moral  and  mental  excellence  soon  attracted 
public  notice,  and  commanded  the  esteem  and  suffrages  of  his 
fellow-citizens.  The  inhabitants  of  his  native  town  testified 
their  sense  of  his  worth,  by  sending  him  repeatedly  a  represen- 
tative to  the  General  Assembly,  where  he  was  chosen  clerk  of 
the  house  of  representatives,  in  May  1721,  and  speaker  the 
three  following  sessions.  In  1722,  he  was  appointed  a  justice 
of  the  Quorum  for  Hartford  county.  The  next  year  he  was 
elected  into  the  Council ;  where  he  held  a  seat  until  his  death, 
which  took  place  at  Hartford,  during  a  session  of  the  Assembly, 
May  24,  1727,  in  the  46th  year  of  his  age. 

The  happy  influence  of  his  prayers  and  example,  was  seen  on 
a  numerous  family.     The  Rev.  David  Brainerd  was  his  third  son. 

This  gentleman  became  the  hopeful  subject  of  divine  grace  in 
the  summer  of  1739,  when  he  was  at  the  age  of  22.  In  the  au- 
tumn of  the  same  year,  he  entered  Yale-College,  where  he  ma- 
nifested an  ardent  love  to  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer :  but  from 
which  he  was  expelled  in  Feb.  1742,  for  uttering  some  indis- 
creet and  unjustifiable  expressions  concerning  the  piety  of  onp 
of  the  tutors,  at  a  time  when  much  feeling  and  controversy  ex- 
isted in  the  Colony  respecting  experimental  religion.  Notwith- 
standing this  mortifying  and  unhappy  event,  he  commenced  the 
study  of  divinity  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mills  of  Ripton  the  subse- 
quent spring,  and  in  a  few  months  became  a  candidate  for  the 
Gospel  ministry.  Regarded  as  suitably  qualified  to  preach 
among  the  heathen  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ,  he  was 
appointed,  in  the  month  of  November,  a  missionary  to  the  In- 
dians, by  the  Correspondents  of  the  Society  in  Scotland  for 
propagating  Christian  knowledge.  In  April  1743,  he  began  to 
preach  to  the  inhabitants  of  an  Indian  village  called  Kaunau- 
meek,  to  the  southeast  of  Albany,  within  the  present  towns  oi 
Schodacand  Kinderhook.where  he  performed  very  arduous  labours 
and  suffered  great  hardships.  The  next  spring,  as  these  Indians 
generally  had  removed  to  Stockbridge  and  placed  themselves  un- 
der the  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sergeant,  Mr.  Brainerd  visited  the 
Indians  living  at  the  forks  of  the  Delaware,  nigh  the  line  be- 
tween New- York  and  Pennsylvania.  With  a  view  to  services 
at  this  settlement,  he  was  ordained  at  Newark  N.  J.  June 
12,1744.  The  following  year  he  laboured  principally  at  this 
place,  but  made  two  visits  to  the  Indians  further  west,  on  thr 
Susquehannah.  Affer  this  he  preached  to  the  Indians  at  Cros 
weeksung,  near  Freehold  in  N.  J.  where  he  had  great  success  ; 
but  took  one  or  two  journeys  to  the  forks  of  the  Delaware  and 
'o  Supquehannah.  Overcome  by  journeying  and  labours  in  th^ 


Town  of  Haddam.  73 

summer  of  1746,  he  was  unable  afterwards  to  perform  much  mi- 
nisterial service.  In  the  spring  of  1747,  he  travelled  into  New- 
England  for  his  health,  and  on  Oct.  10th  of  that  year,  died  at 
Northampton,  aged  30. 

The  abilities  and  address  of  Mr.  Brainerd  were  good.  His 
religion  was  distinguished  for  humility,  submission,  self-de- 
nial and  zeal ;  and  if  we  consider  the  numerous  privations  and 
hardships  which  he  endured,  and  the  arduous  labours  which  he 
performed,  among  the  several  Indian  tribes  which  he  visited, 
the  best  evidence  will  arise  of  supreme  attachment  to  the  cause 
and  interests  of  the  Redeemer.  By  respectable  writers  and 
preachers  in  this  country  and  in  Great-Britain,  he  is  often  refer- 
red to  as  a  pattern  for  missionaries.  The  important  missionary 
stand  at  Chickamaugah,  has  lately  been  called  Brainerd  in  honour 
of  him,  and  his  name  will  descend  with  respect  to  future  genera- 
tions. 

We  have  no  written  nor  traditionary  accounts  that  any  exten- 
sive revivals  prevailed  in  this  town  in  the  early  periods  of  its 
history ;  and  as  the  ancient  records  of  the  church  are  lost,  it  is 
impossible  to  ascertain  the  numbers  admitted  to  the  church  from 
time  to  time.  Within  the  compass  of  twenty  years,  there  have 
been  two  or  three  seasons  of  awakening  in  the  lower  part  of  Had- 
dam Society.  In  the  summer  of  1 809,  a  revival  prevailed  in  the 
west  part  of  the  Society,  which  resulted  in  the  admission  of  about 
forty  into  the  Congregational  church.  By  a  more  extensive  and 
powerful  revival  the  last  summer,  the  same  church  has  received 
one  hundred  members.  This  revival  spread  also  on  Haddam- 
Neck. 

As  one  of  its  happy  effects,  a  Society  has  recently  been  form- 
ed in  the  town,  called,  "  The  Young  Men's  United  Bible  and 
Missionary  Society,"  which  has  already  68  members.  Accord- 
ing to  existing  subscriptions,  this  will  raise  annually  $  34  for  the 
purchase  of  Bibles,  and  $  10  for  missionary  purposes. 

Eighty  females  have  also  given  in  their  names,  with  a  view  of 
being  formed  into  a  society,  auxiliary  to  the  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners for  Foreign  Missions  :  whose  subscriptions  are  50  cents 
^ach,  annually. 


STATISTICAL   ACCOUNT 


TOWN  OF  EAST-HADDAM 


IN  the  preceding  account,  the  reader  has  been  informed,  that 
this  town  was  formerly  a  part  of  Haddam ;  that  most  of  it  was 
obtained  by  the  proprietors  of  that  town  in  1662,  and  the  residue 
in  1673.  It  belonged  to  Haddam  Society  until  1700;  when  if 
was  constituted  a  distinct  society,  and  named,  from  its  relation 
to  the  former  society,  East-Haddam.  The  inhabitants  began  to 
do  town  business  by  themselves  in  1704,  and  to  keep  a  record  of 
their  proceedings.  But  as  the  legality  of  doing  business  in  this 
manner  was  questioned,  and  as  uneasiness  prevailed  on  other 
subjects,  the  societies  of  Haddam  and  East-Haddam  in  1710,  en- 
tered into  articles  of  agreement,  and  had  them  sanctioned  by  thr 
Legislature;  in  which  it  was  provided  among  other  things,  thai 
the  societies  might  do  town  business  separately,  and  elect  each 
a  representative  to  the  General  Assembly.  Agreeably  to  these 
articles  their  public  affairs  were  managed  until  May  1734  ;  when 
the  town  of  Haddam  was  divided,  according  to  the  division  of 
the  societies,  and  the  names  of  the  societies  continued  to  them 
as  towns.  In  the  act  of  incorporation,  however,  it  was  provided, 
that  neither  of  these  towns  should  send  more  than  one  reprcsen 
tative  to  the  Assembly  at  public  cost.  This  proviso  remained 
until  Oct.  1778,  when  Haddam,  East-Haddam,  Chatham,  and 
one  or  two  other  towns  in  the  State,  were  allowed  to  send  two 
representatives. 

East-Haddam  is  eight  and  3-4  miles  long,  and  from  six  an  1 
1-4  to  eight  miles  broad,  containing  39,900  acres.  It  is  bound- 
ed by  Chatham  and  Colchester,  on  the  north  ;  by  Colchester,  on 
the  east ;  by  Lyme  on  the  south ;  and  on  the  west,  partly  by 
Connecticut  river,  and  partly  by  Salmon  river,  which  separates 
it  from  Haddam- Neck. 


Town  of  East-Haddam.  li> 

it  embraces  two  whole  parishes,  viz.  East-Haddam  and  Mil- 
lington ;  and  two  thirds  of  the  parish  of  Hadlyme,  the  remainder 
of  the  last  parish  being  taken  from  the  third  parish  in  Lyme. 

The  settlement  began  within  the  bounds  of  East-Haddam  pa- 
rish ;  but  at  what  time  is  not  absolutely  certain.  It  has  been 
commonly  supposed  that  it  began  at  the  place  called  the  Creek- 
Row  about  1685,  by  the  removal  thither  of  the  Gateses,  and  of 
some  of  the  Bateses,  Brainerds  and  Cones  from  Haddam.  Cur- 
rent tradition  declares  this  to  have  been  the  spot  first  settled,  and 
these  to  have  been  the  first  settlers.  But  from  a  document  found 
in  the  Colony  Records,  it  is  certain  that  Robert  Chapman  had 
a  dwelling  house  in  East  Haddam,  north  of  the  Creek-Row,  in 
1674.  If  the  settlement  at  the  Creek-Row  was  first,  it  mustliave 
begun  about  1670.  Near  this  time,  the  Ackleys  and  a  family  of 
Spencers  from  Haddam,  settled  farther  eastward  in  the  parish. 
With  these  settlers,  were  soon  united  the  ancestors  of  the  Anna- 
bles,  Booges,  Fullers  and  Percivals,  from  the  bounds  of  the  old 
Colony  of  Plymouth ;  the  ancestors  of  the  Olmsteds  from  Hartford, 
Samuel  Emmons  from  Cambridge,  Mass,  and  John  Chapman  Esq. 
from  Say  brook,  who  had  purchased  the  lands  laid  out  to  Capt.  John 
Cullick,  noticed  in  the  account  of  Haddam.  James  Green, 
Elijah  Atwood,  Nathaniel  Goodsped  and  Isaac  Taylor,  from  the 
bounds  of  Plymouth  Colony ;  Henry  Champion  and  Matthew 
Smith  from  Lyme ;  Robert  Hurd  from  Killingworth  ;  John  War- 
ner from  Sunderland,  and  John  Church  from  Hatfield,  Massa- 
chusetts ;  were  later  settlers. 

Not  far  from  the  period  in  which  the  settlement  began  at  the 
Creek-Row,  Samuel  Spencer  from  Haddam  settled  in  the  upper 
part  of  Hadlyme.  Thomas  Hungerford  was  an  inhabitant  of 
that  parish  as  early  as  1692,  and  John  Holmes  from  New- Lon- 
don as  early  as  1710.  Isaac  Willey,  John  Willey  and  Abel 
Willey,  also  from  New-London,  Thomas  Harvey  from  some  part 
of  England,  and  John  Marsh  from  Braintree,  Mass,  were  early 
inhabitants. 

The  first  settler  in  Millington  was  Jonathan  Beebe  from  New- 
London,  who  settled  by  the  Long  Pond  about  1704,  and  was 
soon  joined  by  several  persons  who  have  now  no  descendants  in 
East-Haddam.  Except  at  this  spot,  there  were  no  inhabitants 
in  Millington  until  about  1732,  3  and  4,  when  families  moved 
into  it,  by  the  name  of  Arnold,  Barns,  Brainerd,  Chapman, 
Church,  Cone,  Emmons,  Fuller,  Gates,  Olmsted  and  Spencer, 
from  East-Haddam  parish  ;  of  Harvey  and  Hungerford,  from 
Hadlyme ;  of  Clarke,  from  Haddam ;  of  Graves,  from  Colches- 
ter, and  Stewart  from  Voluntown.  Daniel  Smith  from  some  parf 
of  Plymouth  Colony,  Lemuel  Griffin  from  Lyme,  and  Thomas 
Fox  from  Colchester,  settled  in  it  not  long  after. 

10 


76  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

The  town  was  very  generally  settled  by  1740,  and  since  that  time 
the  increase  of  population  has  been  small,  compared  with  that 
of  most  towns  in  the  State  ;  indeed  for  half  that  period  the  popu- 
lation has  rather  diminished.  In  1757  and  in  1760,  some  fami- 
lies removed  to  Hartland  in  Litchfield  county,  and  the  emigra- 
tions have  been  almost  perpetual,  to  the  county  of  Berkshire,  in 
Mass,  to  Vermont,  or  to  New- York. 

The  greater  part  of  this  town  was  purchased  from  the  Indians 
together  with  the  town  of  Haddam  :  but  when  the  tract  granted 
in  1673  was  obtained  from  them,  is  unknown.  A  considerable 
number  remained  in  the  town  after  the  English  settlements  com- 
menced. 

The  Indians  called  it  Mackimoodus,  or  the  place  of  noises, 
from  those  noises  or  shocks  of  earthquake,  for  which  it  has  been 
famed  from  time  immemorial.  These,  the  Puritans  were  dispos- 
ed to  ascribe  to  the  extraordinary  pawwaws,  which  the  debased 
clan,  inhabiting  this  town,  practised ;  while  the  Indians,  on  the 
other  hand,  were  ready  to  ascribe  their  existence  or  violence,  to 
the  introduction  of  Christianity  :  for  an  old  Indian  being  asked 
the  reason  of  the  noises  said,  '  that  the  Indian's  god  was  very  an- 
gry, because  Englishmen's  god  was  come  here.' 

These  have  been  heard  more  or  less  frequently  ever  since  the 
English  settlements  began.  Mr.  Hosmer,  the  first  minister  of 
the  town,  says,  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Prince  of  Boston,  dated  Aug. 
13th  1729,  "  I  have  myself  heard  eight  or  ten  sounds  succes- 
sively and  imitating  small  arms  in  the  space  of  five  minutes.  I 
have,  (I  suppose,)  heard  several  hundreds  of  them  within  this 
twenty  years,  some  more,  some  less  terrible.  Sometimes  we 
have  heard  them  almost  every  day,  and  great  numbers  of  them 
in  the  space  of  a  year.  Oftentimes  I  have  observed  them  to  bo 
coming  down  from  the  north,"  (the  center  of  them  being  in  the 
north  part  of  East-Haddam  parish,  about  Moodus  river  falls,) 
"  imitating  slow  thunder,  until  the  sound  came  near  or  right  un- 
der, and  then  there  seemed  to  be  a  breaking,  like  the  noise 
of  a  common  shot,  or  severe  thunder,  which  shakes  houses 
and  all  that  is  in  them.  They  have  in  a  measure  ceased 
ever  since  the  general  earthquake,  as  I  remember  there  have 
been  but  two  heard  since  that  time,  and  those  but  moderate." 

The  earthquake  referred  to,  occurred  Oct.  29,  1727.  Ten 
or  twenty  years  after  this,  they  became  again  very  frequent  and 
violent ;  and  excited  the  attention  of  the  neighbouring  towns, 
and  of  the  learned  and  inquisitive  throughout  the  Colony ;  and 
thus  they  have  continued,  for  some  seasons,  frequent  and  vio- 
lent ;  and  at  others,  rare  and  slight,  until  the  present  time.  The 
most  violent  of  these  noises  or  earthquakes  ever  known,  took  place 
on  the  18th  of  May,  1791,  consisting  of  many  shocks,  which  so 


Town  of  East-Haddam.  '77 

shook  the  earth  as  to  untop  many  chimnies  and  excite  consternation 
in  every  family.  Some  of  the  shocks  were  noticed  at  New- York, 
Boston  and  Northampton.  After  this  they  were  rarely  heard 
for  some  time,  and  not  often  till  within  three  or  four  years  past : 
nor  are  they  by  any  means  as  common  now  as  in  the  days  of 
Mr.  Hosmer. 

A  gentleman  who  has  paid  much  attention  to  them,  has  ob- 
served, that  for  twenty-six  years,  they  have  occurred  almost 
uniformly  in  a  dull  and  heavy  state  of  the  atmosphere.  What 
there  is  in  this  town  to  produce  them,  it  is  difficult  to  determine. 
In  the  letter  above  quoted,  Mr.  Hosmer  observes,  "  Whether  it 
be  fire  or  air  distressed  in  the  subterraneous  caverns  of  the  earth, 
cannot  be  known,  for  there  is  no  eruption,  no  explosion  percep- 
tible." The  day  after  the  earthquake  in  1791,  however,  it  is 
said  that  apertures  and  fissures  were  observed  in  the  earth  and 
rocks  near  Moodus  river  falls,  and  that  stones  of  several  tons 
weight  were  found,  thrown  from  their  places.  Some  disruptions 
from  the  bank  of  Salmon  river  and  of  Moodus  river,  are  also  sup- 
posed to  have  been  occasioned  by  them. 

When  these  noises  have  been  perceived  only  within  a  small 
circle,  producing  a  slight  tremulous  motion  in  the  earth  and  in 
the  river,  they  have  been  called  Moodus  noises  ;  but  when  they 
have  extended  a  considerable  distance,  they  have  been  deno- 
minated earthquakes,  and  have  been  characterized  by  all  the 
circumstances  which  attend  earthquakes  usually  in  New-Eng- 
land. The  earthquakes  noticed  in  Connecticut  for  forty  years, 
with  scarcely  an  exception,  have  been  more  violent  in  East- 
Haddam,  than  in  any  other  place. 

This  town  is  less  hilly  and  broken  than  Haddam,  and  taken 
together  has  a  better  soil ;  but  is  more  suitable  for  grazing  than 
for  the  culture  of  grain.  The  inhabitants  are  very  generally 
farmers,  and  derive  considerable  profits  from  their  stock  and  dai- 
ries, and  from  their  wood  and  lumber. 

Salmon  river,  described  in  the  account  of  Chatham,  washes 
its  western  border  for  four  miles. 

In  the  north-eastern  part  of  East-Haddam  parish,  is  a  pond, 
spreading  over  an  area  of  1000  acres,  sometimes  called  Bates's 
Pond,  but  more  commonly  from  its  form,  the  Round  Pond,  affording 
small  fish,  which  at  times  are  caught  in  considerable  quantities. 

This  is  the  source  of  Moodus  river,  which  after  a  winding 
course  of  four  or  five  miles,  receiving  on  its  way  the  little  stream 
called  Wigwam  brook,  empties  into  Salmon-river  Cove. 

Two  miles  from  its  source  are  the  falls,  which  have  been  re- 
peatedly named.  Here  the  water  descends  suddenly  to  the 
depth  of  seventy  feet,  dashing  against  the  rocks  with  great  vio- 


78  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  $ 

lence,  and  producing  at  times  a  noise,  heard  to  a  considerable 
extent  in  the  surrounding  region. 

Bog-meadow  brook,  in  the  southern  part  of  East-Haddam  pa- 
rish, and  Roaring  brook  principally  in  Hadlyme,  are  streams 
sufficient  for  turning  mills  a  part  of  the  year. 

In  the  northeast  corner  of  Millington,  is  the  Long  Pond,  nam- 
ed like  the  Round  Pond,  from  its  form.  Its  length  is  two  miles 
and  its  breadth  half  a  mile  ;  affording  also  small  fish. 

This  is  the  source  of  Eight-mile  river,  which  after  leaving 
Millington,  passes  through  Pleasant  Valley  and  Hamburg,  set- 
tlements in  North- Lyme,  and  empties  into  the  Connecticut. 

On  this  stream  two  miles  from  the  pond  are  falls,  more  inter- 
esting than  those  on  Moodus  river.  Immediately  above  the  falls 
the  stream  divides  itself  into  two  parts,  and  then  dashes  down 
the  rocks  from  70  to  100  feet,  in  the  course  of  eight  or  ten  rods ; 
where  the  stream  again  unites,  and  passes  on  through  a  deep, 
narrow  and  gloomy  opening.  The  rocks  in  the  falls  are  curious- 
ly smoothed  and  scooped  out  by  the  action  of  water,  or  the 
whirling  and  friction  of  objects  which  it  carries,  and  the  scene- 
ry around  is  uncommonly  wild,  and  romantic. 

At  the  head  of  boat  navigation  on  Salmon  river,  four  miles 
from  its  mouth,  are  Lord's  Mills,  or  Factories.  At  this  excel- 
lent stand,  an  oil  mill  was  erected  fifty  years  ago,  the  first,  it  is 
said,  erected  in  the  State.  A  saw  mill  has  also  been  erected 
here  for  several  years,  carrying  eight  saws  and  sawing  a  length 
of  seventy  feet.  In  1814,  a  woollen  and  cotton  factory  were  set 
up  in  the  building,  previously  used  for  an  oil  mill.  By  some 
means  not  perfectly  ascertained,  this  took  fire  on  the  night  of 
the  30th  of  March  1815,  and  with  a  clothier's  works,  and  dress- 
ing shop,  and  a  large  portion  of  their  contents,  was  consumed ; 
occasioning  a  loss  of  25,000  dollars.  But  notwithstanding  this 
calamitous  event,  the  proprietors,  the  summer  after,  erected  a 
fine  fire-proof  brick  building,  65  feet  by  35,  four  stories,  with  n 
loft  in  the  garret.  Into  this  they  introduced  machinery  in  the  fall, 
for  the  manufacture  of  woollen  cloths,  which  now  consumes  wool 
at  the  rate  of  16.000  pounds  a  year.  In  the  spring  of  1816,  they 
introduced  into  it  600  spindles  for  spinning  cotton,  and  intend 
hereafter  to  increase  these  to  2,000.  In  this  building,  is  a  ma- 
chine room,  where  all  the  wood,  brass  and  iron  machinery,  are 
made  and  repaired  for  the  establishment.  Twenty  hands  are 
employed  in  the  woollen  factory,  fifteen  in  the  cotton,  and  five  in 
the  machine  room.  The  stream  at  this  stand  is  equal  in  the 
driest  season  to  two  grist-mill  powers,  and  by  means  of  a  seven- 
foot  dam,  has  a  head  of  twelve  feet. 

A  cotton  factory  was  erected  in  1815,  on  the  west  bank  of 


Tozon  of  East-Haddam-  79 

Moodus  river,  a  mile  and  a  half  from  its  mouth.  The  building  is 
of  stone,  60  feet  by  36,  three  stories,  with  a  slate  roof,  and  is  cal- 
culated to  contain  from  1500  to  2000  spindles.  It  is  owned  by 
an  incorporated  company,  allowed  to  hold  stock  to  the  amount 
of  75,000  dollars,  divided  into  150  shares  of  500  dollars  each. 

On  the  same  stream  westward,  a  nail  factory  was  erected  in 
1809 ;  but  this  lately  has  not  been  much  used. 

Shipbuilding  was  begun  at  East-Haddam  Landing  some  time 
before  the  revolutionary  war ;  and  as  early  as  that  war,  it  was 
begun  at  Chapman's  Ferry.  But  the  business  is  not  now  car- 
ried on  extensively  at  either  of  these  places. 

A  house  was  built  at  East-Haddam  Landing  and  a  market 
opened  for  produce  in  1743  ;  since  which,  most  of  the  trade  in 
the  town  has  centered  at  this  spot.  This  Landing  is  a  little 
south  of  the  mouth  of  Salmon  river,  on  the  bank  of  the  Con- 
necticut, from  which  hills  rise  suddenly  to  the  north  and  east. 
Here  are  three  or  four  merchant  stores  and  about  twenty  houses. 
A  portion  of  business  is  also  done  at  Chapman's  Ferry  and  at 
Lord's  Mills.  Several  coasting  vessels  are  owned  in  the  town, 
and  usually  two  or  three  sea  vessels. 

It  has  been  already  stated  that  East-Haddam  Society  was 
formed  in  1700.  The  church  in  this  society  was  gathered  Jan. 
6,  1 704,  consisting  of  eight  male  members,  viz.  the  Rev.  Stephen 
Hosmer,  ordained  its  pastor  on  the  3d  of  May  following,  and 
seven  brethren  from  the  church  in  Haddam. 

Mr.  Hosmer  preached  to  this  people  forty-five  years  and  sus- 
tained a  respectable  character. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Fowler  succeeded  him  in  1751,  and  was 
also  deservedly  esteemed. 

The  Rev.  Elijah  Parsons  was  ordained  in  East-Haddam  in 
1772,  and  is  still  living. 

The  Rev.  Isaac  Parsons  was  ordained  colleague  pastor  with 
him  in  1816. 

The  Society  of  Millington,  in  the  east  part  of  East-Haddam. 
was  incorporated  in  Oct.  1733,  and  the  church  was  formed,  it 
is  supposed,  Dec.  2,  1736  ;  as  the  first  pastor,  the  Rev.  Timo- 
thy Symmes,  was  ordained  at  that  time.  The  members,  gene- 
rally at  least,  were  taken  from  the  church  in  East-Haddam. 

Mr.  Symmes,  in  the  great  revival  which  spread  in  New-England 
a  few  years  after  his  ordination,  had  his  feelings,  (as  is  reported,) 
extravagantly  raised,  and  pursued  his  work  with  misguided  zeal. 
This  excited  uneasiness,  which  closed  his  services  in  this  place. 

The  Rev.  Hobart  Estabrook,  son  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Estabrook 
of  Canterbury,  was  ordained  in  Millington  in  1745.  He  died  in 
1766,  and  is  still  remembered  with  affection  and  respect  as  a  wor- 
thy minister. 


80  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  j 

The  Rev.  Diodate  Johnson,  son  of  the  Rev.  Stephen  Johnaor. 
of  Lyme,  succeeded  him  the  next  year. 

Possessed  of  superior  abilities  and  ardent  piety,  Mr.  Johnson 
bid  fair  to  be  a  distinguished  ornament  and  blessing  to  the 
church.  But  the  consumption,  (a  disease  to  which  his  family 
connections  have  been  uncommonly  subject,)  closed  his  days  in 
the  sixth  year  of  his  ministry.  When  struck  with  death,  he  was 
sitting  in  his  chair,  reading  the  prayer  in  Doddridge's  Rise  and 
Progress,  entitled,  "  A  meditation  and  prayer  suited  to  the  case 
of  a  dying  Christian." 

The  Rev.  Eleazer  Sweetland,  was  ordained  in  this  place  in 
1777,  and  died  in  1787. 

The  Rev.  William  Lyman,  D.  D.  succeeded  him  in  the  close  of 
the  same  year,  and  is  the  pastor  of  the  church  at  the  present  time. 

The  Society  of  Hadlyme  was  incorporated  in  Oct.  1742,  and 
was  thus  called,  because  it  was  made  partly  from  East-Haddam 
and  partly  from  Lyme.  The  church  was  organized,  with  ten 
male  members,  on  the  26th  of  June  1745,  and  on  the  18th  of  the 
succeeding  September,  the  Rev.  Grindall  Rawson,  who  had  been 
minister  several  years  at  South-Hadley,  Mass,  was  installed  their 
pastor. 

He  was  remarkable  for  pleasantry  in  conversation,  and  had 
an  uncommon  talent  in  reconciling  parties  at  variance.  He  died 
in  1777. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Vaill,  the  present  pastor  of  Hadlyme  church, 
was  ordained  in  1780. 

Of  fifty-five  members,  belonging  to  this  church  in  April,  of  the 
last  year,  twenty-seven  lived  within  the  town  of  East-Haddam. 

A  disagreement  in  East-Haddam  Society  respecting  the  spot, 
where  their  present  meeting-house  should  be  set,  produced  a  di- 
vision among  the  people.  The  portion  dissatisfied  with  its  loca- 
tion, were  formed  into  an  Episcopal  society  April  27,  1791,  and 
the  Rev.  Solomon  Blakesley  was  placed  over  them  as  deacon  in 
1792,  and  in  full  orders  in  1793,  and  he  has  generally  laboured 
with  them  and  some  neighbouring  societies  since. 

A  few  Baptists  arose  in  Millington  in  1 789  or  90,  with  whom 
some  families  are  now  connected  at  East-Haddam  Landing. 

In  Millington  also  are  a  few  people  of  the  Methodist  persua- 
sion. 

A  school  was  probably  kept  in  this  town  as  early  as  the  for- 
mation of  East-Haddam  Society.  There  was  but  one  until  1729 
or  30.  In  Millington  and  Hadlyme  there  must  have  been  schools 
as  soon  as  those  societies  were  formed.  There  are  now  in  the 
town  19,  viz.  8  in  East-Haddam  Society,  one  or  two  of  which 
are  taught  by  men  through  the  year,  7  in  Millington,  and  4  ir 
Hadlyme. 


Town  of  East- Haddam.  81 

The  Hon.  Joseph  Spencer  of  this  town,  without  the  advan- 
tages of  a  regular  and  public  education,  acquired  that  general 
knowledge,  and  that  acquaintance  with  business,  which  enabled 
him  to  discharge  happily  and  usefully  the  various  duties  to  which 
he  was  called.  His  mind  was  early  impressed  with  the  reality 
and  importance  of  religious  subjects,  and  comforted  by  the  con- 
solations of  the  Gospel,  though  circumstances  prevented  his  pro- 
fessing Christ  for  a  season.  Not  long  after  the  settlement  of 
Mr.  Estabrook  in  Millington,  he  communicated  to  him  in  writing, 
a  very  humble  and  satisfactory  account  of  the  exercises  of  his 
soul,  and  then  came  forward  and  united  with  the  church  under 
his  care ;  in  which  some  years  after,  he  was  elected  a  deacon. 
A  long  and  humble  walk  with  God,  evinced  the  sincerity  of  his 
profession  ;  and  he  at  last  died,  as  might  be  expected,  with  strong 
and  joyful  expectations  of  a  blessed  immortality. 

His  public  employments  were  very  numerous.  In  1758  he 
went  into  the  northern  army  in  the  capacity  of  a  major,  under 
Col.  Nathan  Whiting,  and  the  two  following  years  as  a  lieute- 
nant-colonel, in  the  second  French  war;  where  he  acquired  the 
reputation  of  a  brave  and  good  officer.  In  1775,  in  the  war  of 
the  revolution,  he  was  appointed  a  brigadier-general,  and  the 
next  year  a  major-general  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  a 
post  which  he  resigned  in  1778.  From  the  autumn  of  1753  till 
his  death  in  1789,  he  was  judge  of  probate  for  the  district  of 
East-Haddam.  In  1766,  he  was  elected  into  the  Council  of  the 
State,  where  he  remained  until  1779,  being  appointed  for  the  last 
year  a  judge  of  Hartford  county  court.  At  this  time  a  prejudice 
arose  against  him  among  the  freemen,  because  he  did  not,  in  a 
particular  instance,  march  some  troops  under  his  command  on  to 
Rhode-Island;  and  he  lost  his  election  as  an  assistant.  But  the 
same  year,  the  Assembly,  entertaining  a  high  sense  of  his  worth, 
sent  him  a  representative  to  Congress  ;  and  in  1 780,  he  was  elect- 
ed again  into  the  Council,  and  thus  annually  elected  during  life. 

In  the  first  parish  in  this  town,  there  was  some  special  atten- 
tion to  religion  in  1802,  and  again  in  1816.  Some  seasons  of 
gentle  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  have  occurred 
in  Millington ;  and  there  have  been  within  a  few  years,  several 
seasons  of  more  than  ordinary  attention  to  the  concerns  of  the 
soul  in  Hadlyme,  and  the  state  and  prospects  of  that  society  have 
been  greatly  improved. 

In  each  of  the  parishes  in  this  town,  are  one  or  more  female 
Charitable  societies. 


STATISTICAL   ACCOUNT 


TOWN  OF  SAYBROOK. 


DISSATISFIED  with  the  civil  and  religious  state  of  things  in 
England  in  the  time  of  Charles  I.  Lord  Say  and  Seal,  Lord 
Brook,  Lord  Rich  and  other  gentlemen  of  distinction,  contem- 
plated a  removal  to  America;  and  in  prosecution  of  their  design, 
procured  of  Robert,  Earl  of  Warwick,  March  19,  1631,  a  patent 
of  all  that  territory,  "  which  lies  west  from  Narraganset  river, 
a  hundred  and  twenty  miles  on  the  sea  coast ;  and  from  thence 
in  latitude  and  breadth  aforesaid,  to  the  South  Sea."  In  July 
1635,  they  appointed  John  Winthrop,  son  of  the  governor  of 
Massachusetts,  then  in  England,  their  agent,  to  build  a  fort  at 
Connecticut  river,  to  erect  houses  for  the  accommodation  of  him- 
self and  men,  and  for  the  reception  of  persons  of  quality ;  and 
they  constituted  him  governor  of  Connecticut  river,  of  the  har- 
bour and  places  adjoining,  for  the  space  of  one  year  from  his 
arrival  there. 

Thus  commissioned,  and  furnished  with  men  and  means  for 
the  undertaking,  he  shipped  for  New-England.  On  his  arrival 
at  Boston,  Oct.  8th,  he  found  that  some  people  had  just  gone  from 
Massachusetts  and  settled  upon  Connecticut  river,  within  the 
patent  held  by  their  lordships.  But  upon  the  agreement  of  his 
father  and  other  magistrates,  that  those  settlers  should  either  re- 
move, or  the  patentees  be  satisfied  in  some  other  way,  he  dis- 
patched carpenters  and  workmen  to  the  mouth  of  the  Connecti- 
cut ;  who  arrived  there  in  the  close  of  November  and  entered 
upon  their  work.  Mr.  Winthrop  followed  them,  and  superin- 
tended their  labours  during  the  continuance  of  his  commission. 

The  level  and  pleasant  tract,  two  miles  northwest  from  the  bar, 
called  Saybrook  Point,  was  selected  for  the  beginning  of  a  set- 
tlement ;  and  was  laid  out  with  care,  as  it  was  expected  to  be- 


Town  of  Saybrook.  83 

come,  not  only  the  residence  of  great  men,  but  the  center  of 
great  business  and  wealth.  This  is  a  mile  in  length,  and  is  lin- 
ed on  the  north  and  south  by  coves  and  meadows.  On  this,  se- 
veral parallel  streets  were  laid  out,  intersected  by  others  at  suit- 
able distances.  On  the  east  end,  in  front  of  Tomb  Hill,  a  site 
was  chosen  for  a  fortification.  Back  from  this,  was  a  square, 
on  which  it  was  intended,  the  houses  should  be  erected  for  the 
illustrious  personages  expected  from  Europe,  while  a  square  fur- 
ther west  was  reserved  for  public  uses. 

The  fortification  and  some  other  buildings  were  immediately 
begun,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  David  Gardiner,  a  skilful  en- 
gineer, who  had  been  procured  for  the  purpose  in  England  ;  and 
that  the  workmen  and  inhabitants  might  be  the  more  secure, 
palisades  were  placed  across  the  west  end  or  neck  of  the  Point. 
This  Mr.  Gardiner  became  the  lieutenant  of  the  Fort,  and  pro- 
moted the  views  and  interests  of  those  who  were  concerned  in 
the  settlement,  several  years  after  the  expiration  of  the  commis- 
sion of  Mr.  Winthrop. 

In  the  summer  of  1639,  Col.  George  Fenwick,  one  of  the  pa 
:entees,  arrived  from  England,  and  gave  to  the  tract  about  the 
mouth  of  the  river,  the  name  of  Saybrook,  in  honour  of  Lord 
Say  and  Seal,  and  Lord  Brook,  his  principal  associates.  From 
this  time  until  Dec.  1644,  he  superintended  and  governed  the 
inhabitants,  and  then  sold  the  jurisdiction  of  Saybrook  to  Con- 
necticut Colony ;  as  his  brethren  had  given  up  the  idea  of  emi- 
grating to  America.  They  were  prevented  from  emigrating  for 
a  season,  both  by  the  dangers  apprehended  from  the  Indians  at 
Saybrook,  and  by  opposition  to  their  removal  made  in  England ; 
and  afterwards,  by  a  change  in  public  affairs,  they  hoped  to  en- 
joy that  liberty  at  home,  which  they  had  anticipated  in  the 
\merican  wilderness,  and  therefore  abandoned  the  project  alto- 
gether ;  but  Lord  Say  and  Seal  particularly,  was  ever  friendly 
to  this  settlement,  and  contributed  to  the  promotion  of  its  pros- 
perity. 

The  territory  to  which  the  name  of  Saybrook  was  applied, 
and  which  was  sold  to  the  Connecticut  Colony,  included  most  of 
the  present  townships  of  Saybrook  and  Lyme.  The  latter  town 
was  incorporated  in  May  1667. 

Saybrook  was  at  first  considered  to  be  six  miles  long,  but  was 
really  eight  and  a  half,  and  its  length  was  increased  two  miles  in 
1669  agreeable  to  statements  made  in  the  account  of  Haddam  ; 
so  that  its  present  length  is  ten  and  a  half  miles.  This  is  its 
length  at  a  medium.  Its  breadth  varies  from  five  to  six  and  a 
half  miles,  and  it  contains  by  computation  40,800  acres.  It  is 
bounded  by  Connecticut  river  on  the  east,  which  separates  it 
from  Lyme ;  by  Long-Island  Sound  on  the  south,  by  Killing- 

11 


84  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 

worth  on  llie  west,  and  by  Haddam  on  tlie  north ;  and  comprises 
lour  parishes,  viz.  Saybrook,  Westbrook,  Pautapoug  and  Ches- 
ter parishes.  Saybrook  parish  is  the  south-eastern  section  of 
the  (own.  This  section  the  Indians  called  Pattaquasset.  West 
of  this  is  Westbrook  parish,  which  was  called  by  its  Indian 
name,  Pochaug,  until  Oct.  1810.  North  of  these  two  parishes 
is  Pautapoug,  (incorporated  before  Westbrook  but  settled  later,) 
an  Indian  name  still  used  by  the  English.  Northward  still  is 
Chester,  which  the  Indians  called  Pattacjuounk. 

Some  individuals  who  left  England  with  Mr.  Winthrop  in  1635, 
and  others  who  left  it  with  Col.  Fen  wick  in  1639,  become  set- 
ilers  at  Saybrook  Point :  but  their  number  was  small.  About 
1646,  some  individuals  moved  into  the  place  from  Hartford  and 
Windsor.  From  a  division  of  lands  made  in  1648,  there  appear 
to  have  been  43  proprietors  then  in  the  town.  Among  them, 
were  the  ancestors  of  the  Barkers,  Bulls,  Bushnells,  Chapmans, 
Clarks.  Lays,  Lords,  Parkers,  Pratts  and  Posts  ;  as  there  were 
of  the  Champions,  Griswolds,  Lees  and  Wades,  who  settled  af- 
terwards in  Lyme  ;  and  of  the  Backuses,  Blisses,  Fitches,  Hunt- 
ingtons,  Hydes,  Larrabees,  Leffingwells,  Masons  and  Budds,  who 
removed  about  1660,  either  from  the  bounds  of  this  town  or 
Lyme,  and  settled  Norwich.  These  all  lived  upon  the  Point  or 
in  its  immediate  neighbourhood  ;  as  did  also  the  ancestors  of  the 
Chalkers  and  Tullies,  who  were  very  early  associated  with 
them.  There  were  one  or  two  families  at  Saybrook  Ferry  in 
1663,  and  about  this  period  some  families  settled  west  of  Oyster 
river.  Among  the  early  settlers  in  Saybrook  parish,  after  those 
which  have  been  mentioned,  were  the  ancestors  of  the  Water- 
houses,  Kirtlands,  and  Shipmans ;  and  also  of  the  Whittleseys. 
Willards  and  Lyndes,  which  last  families  were  from  Boston. 
About  1710,  a  family  by  the  name  of  Ayres  settled  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  this  parish,  at  Ayres's  Point. 

The  settlement  in  Westbrook  began  as  early  as  1664,  near 
the  east  border  of  Pochaug  river,  between  the  meeting-house 
and  the  Sound.  Some  of  the  first  settlers  in  this  parish  were  of 
the  name  of  Lay  and  Post  from  Saybrook  parish  or  from  Lyme. 
of  Hart  and  Wright  from  Guilford,  of  Stannard  and  Spencei 
from  Haddam,  of  Kelsey  from  Killingworth,  of  Denison  from 
Stonington,  of  Deval  or  Dee  from  Seakonnet  R.  I.,  and  of  Mur- 
dock  from  East-Hampton,  Long-Island. 

John  Denison  from  Stonington,  and  some  families  of  Lays  and 
Pratts  from  Saybrook  parish  or  Lyme,  settled  at  Pautapoug 
Point  about  1690.  John  Starkey  from  London,  the  Heydens 
from  Boston,  and  Charles  Williams  from  Rhode-Island,  united 
with  these  some  time  after.  Families  by  the  name  of  Platts  were 
settlers  in  the  west  part  of  Pautapoug  parish. 


Town  of  Saybrook.  36 

Jonah  Dibble  from  Haddam  was, an  inhabitant  of  Chester  in 
1692,  and  Andrew  Warner  from  Hadley,  about  1696.  The  an- 
cestors of  the  Parkers,  Shipmans,  Waterhouses  and  Webbs  frorc 
Saybrook  parish,  were  early  settlers  in  this  place.  George  Wil- 
lard  and  Andrew  Southworth  from  the  same  parish,  Joel  Canriehl 
and  Gideon  Leet  from  Durham,  settled  in  it  about  1745. 

In  this  town  there  were  four  Indian  settlements.  One  of  these 
was  about  the  mouth  of  Oyster  river.  Another  was  on  Obed's 
Hammock,  near  the  mouth  of  Pochaug  river,  where  Indians  lived 
till  within  fifty  or  sixty  years.  A  third  was  at  Ayres's  Point,  and 
so  northward  to  Pautapoug  Point.  A  fourth  was  on,  or  near  the 
Indian  reservation  in  Chester,  mentioned  in  the  account  of  Had 
dam. 

From  Oyster  river  the  Indians  may  have  carried  their  dead  to 
the  grave-yard  at  Black-Hall  in  Lyme,  for  interment ;  but  they 
are  known  to  have  buried  at,  or  near  all  the  other  settlements  in 
the  town.  Their  bones  have  been  found  frequently  on  Pauta- 
poug Point,  and  in  one  or  two  instances  intire  skeletons.  Back 
of  Ayres's  Point  on  a  sandy  plain,  are  numerous  hillocks  or  tu- 
muli, covered  with  small  stones,  which  have  been  thought  to  b< 
Indian  graves ;  but  of  this  there  is  no  certainty  :  for  though 
bones  have  been  found  on  the  plain,  they  were  in  such  a  state  of 
decay,  as  to  render  it  impossible  to  determine  whether  they  ever 
belonged  to  human  bodies.  Here  Indian  arrows,  pestles,  axe? 
&c.  have  been  often  found. 

The  Indians  in  this  town  and  in  the  vicinity  were  subject  some 
years  before  the  English  settled  upon  Connecticut  river,  to  the 
Pequots,  a  warlike  and  powerful  nation,  who  lived  principally  in 
the  towns  of  New- London,  Groton  and  Stonington.  These  had 
become  already  distinguished  for  their  jealousies  of  and  cruelties 
to  the  English,  and  had  communicated  their  malignant  feel- 
ings to  all  whom  they  could  influence.  In  1634,  some  of  their 
confederates  murdered  Capt.  Stone  and  Capt.  Norton,  and  their 
whole  crew,  consisting  of  eight  men,  half  a  mile  above  Saybrook 
Point;  plundered  the  vessel  of  such  articles  as  they  wished,  and 
then  burned  her  down  to  the  water's  edge  and  sunk  her.  It  may 
not  be  unsuitable  to  notice,  that  some  of  the  timber  and  plank 
of  this  vessel  were  found  so  recently  as  1785,  together  with  a 
quantity  of  bar  iron,  and  a  few  other  articles.  In  1635,  they  re- 
ceived and  protected  individuals,  who  had  been  concerned  in  the 
murder  of  Mr.  Oldham  at  Block-Island. 

But  notwithstanding  these  recent  and  abominable  transactions, 
they  consented  to  hold  a  treaty  with  Mr.  Winthrop  and  his  men, 
and  gave  to  the  English  their  right  to  Connecticut  river,  and  the 
idjaccnt  country.  Thus  they  excited  a  hope  of  peace  and  safe- 
*y.  But  a  few  months,  according  to  the  testimony  of  Dr.  Tnim- 


86  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 

bull  and  various  other  writers,  disclosed  their  treachery  and 
wickedness.  For  in  the  beginning  of  Oct.  1636,  as  five  men 
from  Saybrook  fort  went  to  get  hay  at  Calves'  island,  four  miles 
north,  near  Lyme  shore  ;  some  Pequots  who  had  concealed  them- 
selves in  the  high  grass,  surprised  them,  caught  one,  a  godly  young 
man,  by  the  name  of  Butterfield,  and  tortured  him  to  death :  from 
which  circumstance  the  place  was  named  Butterfield's  meadow. 
The  other  four  escaped  to  their  boat,  but  one  of  them  was  wound- 
ed with  five  arrows. 

A  few  days  after  this,  Joseph  Tilly,  master  of  a  bark,  came  to 
anchor  nearly  opposite  Calves'  island,  and  taking  one  man  with 
him,  went  on  shore  for  the  purpose  of  fowling.  As  soon  as  he 
had  discharged  his  piece,  a  large  number  of  Pequots  rising  from 
their  concealment,  took  him  and  killed  his  companion  ;  and  then 
gratified  their  malice  by  putting  him  to  torture.  They  first  cut 
oft'  his  hands  and  then  his  feet ;  after  which  he  lived  three  days. 
But  as  nothing  which  they  inflicted  upon  him  excited  a  groan, 
they  pronounced  him  a  stout  man.  The  place  where  he  was  tak- 
en and  tortured  has  ever  since  been  called  Tilly's  Point. 

Within  a  fortnight  of  these  transactions,  the  following  calami- 
ty was  experienced.  A  house  had  been  erected  about  two  miles 
from  the  fort,  (at  Cornfield  Point  as  is  supposed,)  and  six  men 
detached  from  the  garrison  to  keep  it.  As  three  of  them  were 
fowling  near  the  house,  (a  practice  which  the  lieutenant  had 
strictly  forbid,)  they  were  suddenly  attacked  by  nearly  one  hun- 
dred Pequots  ;  two  were  taken,  and  one  fought  his  way  through 
them  sword  in  hand,  wounded  with  two  arrows,  but  not  mortally. 

The  following  winter  the  fort  was  little  better  than  in  a  state 
of  constant  siege.  None  could  go  from  it  without  hazard  ;  and 
the  cattle,  stacks  of  hay,  and  almost  every  thing  belonging  to  it 
at  any  distance  were  destroyed.  When  the  spring  arrived,  the 
enemy  were  still  more  troublesome.  As  Lieut.  Gardiner  was 
going  out  in  the  month  of  March,  with  ten  or  twelve  men  to  burn 
the  marshes,  the  enemy  rose  upon  them,  just  as  they  had  turned 
south  from  the  palisades,  killed  three  of  the  men  and  wounded  a 
fourth,  so  that  he  died  in  the  fort  the  next  day.  The  lieutenant 
was  slightly  wounded,  but  was  able  with  most  of  his  men  to  re- 
treat. Encouraged  by  this  success,  the  Indians  followed  them, 
surrounded  the  fort,  and  challenged  them  to  fight ;  mocking  them 
in  the  groans  and  pious  invocations  of  their  friends  whom  they 
had  tortured ;  till  a  dexterous  use  of  the  guns  loaded  with  grape 
shot,  compelled  them  to  retire.  After  this,  Indians  in  several 
canoes  beset  a.  shallop,  having  three  men  on  board,  as  it  was  sail- 
ing down  the  river.  They  shot  one  of  them  through  the  head 
with  an  arrow,  Avho  fell  overboard.  The  other  two  they  took, 
and  ripped  them  from  the  bottom  of  their  bellies  to  their  throats, 


Town  of  Saybrook.  87 

cleft  them  down  their  backs,  and  then  suspended  them  on  trees 
by  the  side  of  the  river ;  that  the  English  might  behold  these  ob- 
jects of  their  vengeance.  One  of  the  Indians  concerned  in  these 
babarities,  was  Nepaupuck,  a  famous  Pequot  captain,  who  for 
this  and  other  murders  was  beheaded  at  New-Haven  in  1639,  and 
whose  head  was  set  upon  a  pole  in  the  market  place. 

In  the  midst  of  these  calamities,  Capt.  John  Mason  was  sent 
with  20  men  to  reinforce  the  garrison  at  Saybrook  :  after  whose 
arrival  the  Indians  withdrew  very  generally,  from  that  quarter. 
He  was  soon  relieved  by  Capt.  John  Underhill  with  20  men  sent 
from  Massachusetts,  and  he  returned  to  Hartford.  But  a  party 
of  Pequots  in  the  month  of  April  waylaid  some  of  the  people  of 
Weathersfield,  killed  nine  persons,  and  took  two  maids  captive. 
They  also  killed  twenty  cows  and  did  other  damage. 

By  these  repeated  murders  and  injuries,  the  inhabitants  of 
Connecticut  Colony  were  greatly  alarmed  ;  not  only  for  the  safe- 
ty of  their  friends  at  Saybrook,  but  for  the  safety  of  themselves 
and  families.  They  saw  nothing  before  them  but  destruction, 
unless  the  rage  and  power  of  the  Pequots  could  be  broken.  The 
General  Court  therefore,  being  summoned  together  on  the  1st 
of  May,  came  to  the  resolution  of  waging  immediate  war  with 
that  perfidious  and  cruel  nation.  Massachusetts  and  Plymouth 
Colonies  also,  hearing  of  the  outrages  of  the  Pequots,  resolved  to 
aid  their  Connecticut  brethren  in  prosecuting  the  war  against 
them.  But  the  crisis  admitted  of  no  unnecessary  delay.  The 
Connecticut  troops  were  raised  forthwith,  and  on  Wednesday, 
the  10th  of  May,  Capt.  John  Mason,  appointed  commander  of 
the  expedition,  with  90  men,  almost  the  whole  efficient  force  of 
Hartford,  Weathersfield  and  Windsor ;  and  Uncas,  sachem  of 
Moheagan,  with  about  70  Moheagan  and  river  Indians  ;  went  on 
board  three  small  vessels  at  Hartford,  and  fell  down  the  river  for 
Saybrook  fort.  Not  understanding  the  channel  they  ran  aground 
several  times,  and  did  not  arrive  at  the  fort  until  Monday,  the 
15th  of  the  month.  But  when  they  had  got  as  far  as  Chester, 
the  Indians,  being  impatient  of  delays,  were  permitted  to  go  on 
shore,  and  proceed  on  foot.  On  their  way,  they  fell  in  with 
about  40  of  the  enemy,  killed  six,  and  took  one  a  prisoner,  a  no- 
torious villain,  who  had  practised  much  treachery  and  mischief 
against  the  inhabitants  of  the  fort.  The  Indians  insisted  upon 
punishing  him  according  to  the  barbarous  custom  of  their  ances- 
tors, and  in  existing  circumstances  were  not  opposed. 

Capt.  Underhill  with  19  men  belonging  to  the  garrison,  join- 
ed the  expedition,  and  20  of  Mason's  men  were  sent  back  to 
protect  their  friends  up  the  river.  But  the  army  was  detained 
till  Friday  by  contrary  winds  ;  and  the  officers  were  divided  in 
sentiment,  whether  to  go  directly  to  the  Pequot  settlements,  or 


i>8  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

to  sail  to  Narraganset,  march  into  the  country  and  so  come  upon 
them  it  possible  by  surprise.  The  latter  course  was  finally 
adopted ;  and  on  Saturday  they  arrived  at  Narraganset,  and  at 
the  close  of  the  following  Thursday,  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
the  Pequots  ;  having  received  on  their  way  an  accession  of  about 
500  Indians,  Narragansets  and  others. 

It  had  been  ascertained  that  the  Pequots  were  collected  in 
two  strong  forts,  called  Mistic  fort,  and  Sassacus's  fort.     The 
army  was  near  the  former,  which  contained  at  this  time  four  or 
five  hundred  inhabitants,  men,  women  and  children,  and   150  - 
warriors,  who  had  been  sent  on  that  day  from  the  other  fort,  with 
a  view  to  go  out  on  an  excursion  against  the  English  settlements. 
As  the  troops  from  Say  brook  had  been  seen  to  pass  by  the  Thames, 
the  Indians  drew  the  conclusion  that  they  durst  not  attack  them, 
and  gave  themselves  up  to  merriment  on  that  account,  singing 
and  dancing  till  midnight.     After  this  they  sunk  into  a  deep 
sleep  ;  and  Mason  and  his  men  marched  forward  to  the  confines 
of  their  fortress.     It  was  now  nearly  day-light,  on  Friday,   the 
26th  of  May,  and  not  a  moment  was  to  be  lost.     Capt.  Mason 
therefore   proceeded  with  one  part  of  the  troops  to  attack  the 
fort  on  its  north-eastern  side,  and  Capt.  Underbill,  with  another 
to  attack  it  on  its  western  side.     They  got  within  a  rod  or  two 
of  the  fort,  when  a  dog's  barking  awoke  the  Indian  centinel,  who 
instantly  roused  his  brethren.     But  the  assailants  fired  through 
the  palisades,  and  soon  effected  an  entrance,  and  a  desperate  con- 
flict ensued.     For  some  time  the  victory  was  doubtful.     In  this 
situation,  .Mason  ordered  the  fort  to  be  burnt,  and  immediately 
took  fire  and  put  it  to  the  mats  on  the  wigwams.     The  flames 
spread  with  amazing  rapidity,  and  the  English  retreated  and 
formed  a  circle  around  the  fort ;  while  the  friendly  Indians  who 
had  been  disheartened,  resumed  courage  and  formed  an  outer 
circle.     Many  within  the  fort  were  consumed  in  the  conflagra- 
tion, others  mounting  the  palisades  were  a  fair  mark   for  the 
English  muskets,  and  others  rushing  forward  to  make  their  es- 
cape, were  cut  down  with  the  sword.     In  little  more  than  an 
hour  about  600  Pequots  in  one  way  or  another  were  killed,  while 
7  only  escaped  and  7  were  made  prisoners.     The  English  had 
only  two  men  killed,  and  about  20  wounded. 

The  next  day  in  marching  to  Pequot  harbour,  whither  ilic.y 
had  ordered  their  vessels,  a  running  fight  ensued  with  300  war- 
riors from  Sassacus's  fort,  who  were  frantic  with  passion  upon 
the  destruction  of  their  brethren.     In  this  fight  the    English  and 
their  associates  suffered  no  loss,  while  several  of  the  enemy  were 
slain.     They  entered  their  vessels,   and  in  about  three  week- 
from  the  time  they  left  Hartford,  they  returned  to  ''" 
tivn  habimtion?. 


Town  of  Saybrook.  39 

But  the  Pequots  at  Sassacus's  fort,  deeming  it  unsafe  to  re- 
main in  that  region,  burnt  their  wigwams,  and  dispersed  in  va- 
rious rambling  parties.  But  their  dispersion  did  not  wholly  se- 
cure them.  The  Legislature  appointed  Capt.  Mason,  and  fur- 
nished him  with  men  to  prosecute  the  war ;  some  forces  were 
sent  from  Massachusetts  for  this  purpose  ;  and  the  Indians,  who 
had  been  inimical  to  the  Pequots,  willingly  came  forward  and 
united  in  destroying  them.  One  of  their  parties  was  taken  by 
the  Massachusetts  troops,  united  with  some  of  the  Narraganset 
Indians.  Another  party  crossed  Connecticut  river  and  proceed- 
ed westward,  near  the  Sound.  Some  English  scouts  had  a  skir- 
mish with  these  on  a  hill  in  Saybrook  parish,  whence  they  fled 
into  a  neighbouring  swamp,  from  which  circumstance,  the  hill  is 
called  Pequot  Hill,  and  the  swamp,  Pequot  Swamp  to  this  day. 
A  few  of  these  were  pursued  by  some  English  soldiers,  and  by 
some  Moheagans,  down  the  eastern  shore  of  the  harbour  west  of 
Guilford.  They  crossed  the  harbour,  but  were  taken  as  they  as- 
cended the  opposite  bank.  Among  these  was  a  sachem,  (according 
to  the  Manuscripts  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ruggles  of  Guilford,)  whom 
Uncas  shot  with  an  arrow.  He  then  cut  off  his  head,  and  put  it 
in  the  fork  of  an  oak,  where  the  skull  remained  for  many  years. 
From  this  transaction  the  harbour  has  ever  since  been  called 
Sachem's  head.  But  the  fugitives  generally  proceeded  to  a 
large  swamp  in  Fairfield.  Thither  they  were  pursued  and  sur- 
rounded;  about  20  were  killed  and  180  taken  prisoners.  The 
others  escaped  and  fled. 

By  these  various  attacks  and  losses,  the  Pequots  were  com- 
pletely subdued  as  a  nation.  Their  conquest  was  of  the  greatest 
importance  to  the  settlement  in  Saybrook,  and  to  the  other  set- 
dements  on  Connecticut  river.  It  indeed  struck  a  general  terror 
into  the  Indians  through  the  country,  and  prevented  their  rising 
in  great  numbers  against  the  English  for  nearly  forty  years. 

The  lands  in  the  south-eastern  division  of  this  township, 
throughout  the  greater  part  of  Saybrook  parish,  are  level  and  easi- 
ly cultivated  ;  and  enriched  by  the  white-fish  and  other  manures, 
are  very  productive.  The  same  is  true  of  smaller  tracts  in  other 
parts  of  the  town,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Sound  and  of  the  river  ; 
but  the  kinds  back  are  generally  stoney  and  somewhat  hilly, 
though  there  are  few  hills  of  much  note.  Cow  Hill,  and  Pequot 
Hill,  (already  named,)  in  Saybrook  parish,  Robert's  Hill  and 
Bork  Hill  in  Pautapoug,  and  Horse  Hill  between  this  town  and 
Killingworth,  are  among  the  more  important. 

The  streams  in  this  town,  as  well  as  in  the  other  towns  in  the 
Bounty,  are  small. 

Chester  river  has  its  sources  in  the  southern  part  of  Haddam 


90  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

and  in  Cedar-swamp  Pond.  The  branches  unite  at  Chestci 
Cove,  at  the  head  of  tide  water,  a  mile  from  Connecticut  river, 
and  for  half  that  distance,  from  Middlesex  turnpike  bridge,  the 
river  admits  of  large  vessels. 

Cedar-swamp  Pond  is  remarkable  only,  for  its  being  formed 
by  a  dam,  sufficiently  wide  for  a  cart-path,  which  was  apparent- 
ly made  by  beavers.  Directly  below  this  is  the  swamp  which 
imparts  to  it  its  name. 

There  is  another  pond  in  Chester  parish,  on  very  high  ground, 
called  Shipman's  Pond,  which  sends  forth  a  small  stream. 

Deep  river  is  said  to  derive  its  waters  partly  from  Cedar 
swamp  and  partly  from  sources  farther  south.  It  empties  into 
Connecticut  river  a  little  south  of  Chester  river. 

Fall  river,  (so  called  from  its  passing  over  some  inconsidera- 
ble falls,)  rises  in  the  west  part  of  Pautapoug,  and  unites  with 
the  Connecticut  a  little  above  Pautapoug  Point. 

Oyster  river  rises  in  Pequot  Hill,  and  runs  southerly  into  the 
Sound.  This  stream  derives  its  name  from  the  oysters  which 
used  to  be  caught  near  its  mouth.  Some  are  taken  there  now 
and  also  clams.  On  this  stream  Mr.  Francis  Bushnell  erected  a 
corn-mill  in  1662,  the  first  erected  in  the  town;  for  which  the 
proprietors  gave  him  a  farm,  on  condition  that  a  mill  should  be 
kept  there  continually,  and  that  the  inhabitants  should  have- 
equal  privileges  in  regard  to  grinding :  and  the  farm  is  held  by 
his  descendants  on  these  conditions  at  the  present  time. 

Pochaug  river  rises  in  the  west  part  of  Pautapoug,  and  takes  a 
southern  direction  through  the  center  of  Westbrook,  and  empties 
into  Westbrook  harbour.  This  receives  near  its  mouth,  Menun- 
ketesuck  river,  whose  head  waters  are  in  the  edge  of  Haddam. 
whence  it  passes  through  the  parish  of  North  Killingworth,  part 
of  the  parish  of  Killingworth,  and  then  turns  eastward  into 
Westbrook. 

Westbrook  harbour  serves  as  an  indifferent  shelter  for  small 
vessels.  It  formerly  furnished  a  considerable  shad  fishery  :  but  in 
latter  years  the  shad  have  become  scarce.  Shell  fish  are  caughl. 
in  the  harbour  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants,  and  are  occasion- 
ally carried  to  the  neighbouring  places. 

A  quarry  of  Steatite  or  Soap  stone  exists  in  Pautapoug,  half  a 
mile  north  of  the  Congregational  meeting-house.  This  appears 
to  have  been  known  to  the  Indians,  as  pots  and  mortars  made  of 
this  stone  have  been  found  in  their  graves  on  the  Point,  and  in  fields 
in  the  neighbourhood.  Thirty  or  forty  years  since,  it  was  procur- 
ed by  the  owners  of  a  furnace  in  Killingworth,  for  the  purpose 
of  making  an  oven  for  baking  steel.  In  1815,  some  gentlemei. 
obtained  a  lease  of  the  quarry  for  20  years,  got  out  fifty  tons  of 


Toton  of  Saybrook.  ;.'J 

ihe  stone  and  sent  it  to  New-York;  where  upon  examination,  it 
was  declared  to  possess  durable  qualities,  and  to  be  susceptible 
of  a  fine  polish,  but  to  be  too  hard  to  be  extensively  useful. 

•V  quarry  of  Gneiss  stone,  resembling  the  quarries  in  Haddam, 
;alled  Deep-river-Quarry,  because  it  is  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  that  river,  was  opened  in  1812.  This  is  near  a  cove,  na- 
vigable for  scows,  half  a  mile  from  Connecticut  river.  Several 
hands  have  been  employed  in  it,  and  it  promises  to  be  profitable. 

Another  quarry  of  a  similar  description  was  opened  some  years 
after  on  Mitchel's  Neck.  Some  others  were  opened  in  the 
vicinity  last  year ;  and  one,  two  or  three  years  ago  near  Ce- 
dar-swamp. 

Several  persons  have  been  mentioned  as  emigrating  from  this 
town  to  Lyme  and  to  Norwich.  In  the  former,  settlements  be- 
gan about  1654,  and  in  the  latter,  in  1660.  The  reason  of  the 
emigration  to  Norwich  was  as  follows.  In  some  of  the  wars  be- 
tween Uncas,  and  the  Narragansets,  they  besieged  him  and  his 
men  in  his  fort  near  the  Thames,  until  their  provisions  were  al- 
most exhausted.  He  found  means  of  acquainting  the  scouts 
from  Saybrook  fort  with  his  situation,  and  of  apprizing  them  of 
the  danger  to  which  the  English  would  be  exposed,  if  the  Mo- 
heagans  were  destroyed.  In  these  circumstances,  Mr.  Thomas 
Leffingwell,  an  ensign  at  the  fort,  loaded  a  canoe  with  provi- 
sions, and  under  cover  of  the  night  paddled  it  to  the  Thames, 
and  relieved  him  :  soon  after  which  the  siege  was  raised.  For 
this  kindness,  Uncas  gave  him  most,  if  not  the  whole  of  the  town- 
ship of  Norwich.  In  June  1659,  a  formal  deed  was  given  of  this 
4ownship  to  Mr.  Leffingwell,  Capt.  Mason,  Mr.  Fitch  and  32 
others,  for  which  they  allowed  him  as  an  additional  compensa- 
tion about  70  pounds.  The  next  spring,  Mr.  Fitch,  and  the 
greater  part  of  his  church  and  congregation  moved  to  that  town. 
Some  families  removed  from  this  town  to  Hebron  about  1 704,  to 
Salisbury  about  1773  or  74,  to  Durham  in  the  State  of  New- 
York  about  1788,  to  Fairfield  also  in  that  State  about  1794,  and 
families  and  individuals  have  removed  to  various  other  places. 

But  one  person  an  inhabitant  of  this  town  has  ever  been  con- 
victed of  a  capital  offence,  and  that  was  a  Pequot  squaw,  living 
in  the  family  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Worthington  of  Westbrook.  She 
murdered  her  own  child,  a  bastard,  by  striking  it  on  the  head. 
It  was  found  hid  in  Mr.  Worthington's  barn,  and  languished  ten 
hours  after  the  wound  was  given.  Her  trial  was  had  before  the 
Hon.  Jonathan  Law,  chief  judge,  and  four  assistants,  at  a  special 
session  held  in  Westbrook,  Nov.  15,  16  and  17,  1737,  and  she 
was  executed  at  New-London  on  the  3d  of  May,  1 738. 

Another  murder  was  committed  in  this  town  Oct.  14,  1772, 
hv  Jamos  Shields,  on  the  person  of  James  Johnson.  Both  were 

12 


92  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 

foreigners.  Johnson  had  been  labouring  as  a  journeyman  at  the 
carriage-making  business  at  Saybrook,  was  that  day  out  of  his 
time,  and  had  crossed  over  into  Lyme,  going  eastward.  Here 
Shields  met  him,  and  after  drinking  freely  together,  enticed  him 
back  over  the  ferry,  and  in  the  hollow  a  little  west  of  the  ferry, 
and  directly  south  of  the  stage  road,  murdered  him,  (for  his 
money  as  was  supposed,  which  consisted  only  of  a  few  shillings,) 
by  stabbing  him  in  several  places  with  a  narrow  chisel.  He  then 
stripped  the  body  and  hid  it  in  the  bushes,  (where  it  was  dis- 
covered nine  days  after,)  and  then  went  down  to  the  sea  shore, 
crossed  to  Long-Island  and  escaped.  For  another  murder  he 
was  afterwards  hanged  at  the  southward,  and  at  the  gallows  con- 
fessed his  villainy  in  killing  Johnson. 

Horn  and  shell  combs  have  been  manufactured  many  years  in 
Saybrook  parish,  and  two  or  three  years  since  were  manufactur- 
ed at  Pautapoug  Point. 

Williams's  Ivory  Comb  Factory  near  the  mouth  of  Fall  river 
in  Pautapoug  parish  was  established  in  1802,  but  did  but  little 
business  till  1807.  In  1816,  this  was  united  with  a  comb  factory 
which  was  erected  in  1809  on  Deep  river.  In  this  united  es- 
tablishment, more  than  20  men  are  employed,  and  50,000  dozen 
combs  annually  manufactured.  The  old  stand  on  Fall  river 
is  improved  for  a  factory  of  ivory  buttons.  In  this  four  and  some- 
times more  workmen  are  employed. 

On  Chester  river  are  two  forges,  one  set  up  about  1790,  the 
other  in  1818. 

On  this  stream,  L'Hommedieu's  Factory  was  erected  in  1811 , 
for  making  patent  double  podded  gimlets.  In  this,  machinery 
is  used  for  cutting  steel  plates  into  pieces  of  proper  size  and 
length  for  gimlets,  for  double  stamping  and  rounding  them, 
smoothing  the  shank  and  bowls,  forming  the  screw,  and  for  turn- 
ing and  perforating  the  handles.  Twenty  men  have  been 
sometimes  employed,  and  more  than  10,000  dollars  worth  of  gim- 
lets manufactured  in  a  year.  In  1815,  the  owners  procured 
machinery  for  making  patent  single  twist  augers ;  and  since  that 
time  have  directed  their  attention  principally  to  this  branch  of 
manufacture.  Within  about  twelve  months,  they  have  made 
more  than  8000  for  the  navy  of  the  United  States  and  some  for 
individuals. 

Shipbuilding  is  occasionally  carried  on  in  one  yard  on  Say- 
brook  Point. 

This  business  was  begun  by  Mr.  John  Tucker  at  Pautapoug 
Point  about  1720,  but  was  not  extensively  carried  on  for  many 
years.  In  1775,  the  ship  Oliver  Cromwell,  of  24  guns,  was  built 
at  this  place  by  Mr.  Uriah  Heyden.  For  ten  or  fifteen  years 
before  the  late  war,  from  1200  to  2000  tons  of  shipping  were 


Town  of  Saybrook.  93 

annually  launched  from  the  Point  and  the  yards  in  the  neighbour- 
hood. 

In  1740,  shipbuilding  was  commenced  in  Westbrook.  The 
yards  are  all  on  Pochaug  river,  one  and  two  miles  from  its 
mouth,  from  which  vessels  are  let  down  to  the  Sound.  In  these 
1000  tons  of  shipping  are  calculated  to  be  built  annually. 

This  business  was  commenced  in  Chester,  near  the  mouth  of 
Chester  Cove  in  1755.  More  recently  a  few  vessels  have  been 
built  a  mile  westward  :  but  the  business  in  this  parish  is  now  ge- 
nerally discontinued. 

This  town  has  more  commerce  than  any  other  town  in  the 
county  excepting  Middletown.  It  is  principally  coasting.  Each 
parish  has  a  share  of  trade,  but  most  is  done  in  Saybrook  parish 
and  in  Pautapoug. 

Business  began  to  thrive  at  Pautapoug  Point  soon  after  the  re- 
volutionary war.  Since  that  time  most  of  the  buildings  have 
been  erected  upon  it  and  in  the  vicinity.  There  are  now  on  the 
Point  about  30  dwelling-houses  and  100  within  the  circuit  of  a 
mile,  a  few  merchant  stores,  and  some  mechanic  shops.  Besides 
the  shipbuilding  which  has  been  just  noticed,  the  inhabitants 
have  had  a  considerable  concern  in  navigation. 

This  point  is  100  rods  long  and  lies  between  two  coves,  called 
the  North  and  South  Coves.  The  buildings  are  principally  on 
one  street  running  lengthwise  through  it,  parallel  with  which  a 
street  has  been  recently  laid  out.  To  this  Point,  the  river  is 
open  through  the  winter,  and  it  is  of  course,  the  place  where 
vessels  are  frequently  laid  up  and  goods  deposited,  while  the 
river  is  frozen  over  above. 

It  suffered  much  by  the  restrictive  system,  and  the  succeeding 
war,  particularly  by  a  visit  from  the  English  in  April,  1814. 

Vessels  from  the  squadron  blockading  New-London  had  often 
gone  out  and  cruised  in  the  Sound.  On  the  evening  following 
the  7th  of  April  two  or  three  of  these  anchored  off  Saybrook  bar. 
They  immediately  dispatched  for  Pautapoug,  two  launches,  each 
carrying  Q  or  12  pound  carronades  and  50  or  60  men  each,  and 
four  barges,  supposed  to  have  25  men  each,  under  the  command 
of  Lieut.  Coote,  completely  prepared  with  torches,  combustibles. 
&c.  for  the  enterprise  which  they  accomplished.  Before  11 
o'clock  they  were  discovered  entering  the  mouth  of  the  river,  by 
the  keeper  of  the  light-house,  and  before  12,  many  of  the  men 
landed  at  Saybrook  Point,  and  went  into  the  old  fort,  where 
no  force  was  then  stationed  to  resist  them.  The  distance  from 
this  place  to  Pautapoug  Point,  is  between  five  and  six  miles  ; 
but  being  retarded  by  a  strong  northerly  wind  and  the  fresh- 
et, they  did  not  arrive  there  till  about  four  o'clock,  Fri- 
day morning,  the  8th  of  April.  The  people  knew  nothing  of 


94  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

their  being  in  the  river  more  than  30  minutes  before  they  arriv- 
ed and  took  possession  of  the  Point;  and  some  had  no  know- 
ledge of  it,  before  the  work  of  conflagration  was  begun.  Pick- 
et guards  searched  houses  and  stores  for  arms  and  ammunition, 
while  the  men  generally  were  employed  in  setting  fire  to  the 
vessels,  lying  in  the  river,  at  the  Point,  and  on  the  stocks  along 
the  North  and  South  Coves.  About  10  o'clock,  they  called  in 
their  guards  and  proceeded  down  the  river,  with  a  brig,  schoon- 
er and  two  sloops.  But  the  wind  shifting  from  the  northeast  to 
the  southeast,  they  set  fire  to  all  these  excepting  the  schooner, 
which  they  anchored  about  a  mile  and  a  quarter  below  the  Point, 
where  they  remained  till  evening.  Twenty-two  vessels  of  va- 
rious descriptions  were  destroyed,  and  a  loss  occasioned,  com- 
puted at  160,000  dollars,  60,000  of  which  fell  on  the  inhabitants 
of  Pautapoug. 

When  the  enemy  first  landed,  the  people  living  on  the  Point 
and  in  the  vicinity  were  in  no  situation  to  oppose  them.  In  the 
course  of  the  day,  some  forces  collected  from  Pautapoug  and 
other  places  west  of  the  river;  while  on  the  east  side,  some 
collected  from  Lyme  and  New-London  :  but  the  work  of  de- 
struction was  finished  and  the  British  were  more  than  a  mile 
down  the  river.  The  plan  adopted  was  to  oppose  them  on  their 
way  out,  for  which  stations  were  taken  on  both  sides.  But  the 
enemy  were  detained  as  has  been  stated.  About  sunset  a  field- 
piece  was  planted  on  a  point  near  their  resting  place,  which  by 
several  well  directed  shots,  compelled  them  to  leave  the  schoon- 
er. One  of  these  shots  killed  two  men  and  wounded  a  third. 
When  night  came  on,  it  was  excessively  dark  and  no  object  could 
be  seen,  and  they  proceeded  silently  down  the  river,  and  arriv- 
ed at  their  vessels  about  10  o'clock  in  the  evening.  Many  shots 
were  directed  against  them  on  the  supposition  of  their  being  on 
their  way,  some  of  which  struck  their  boats,  and  probably  did 
some  execution. 

During  the  day  and  the  evening,  the  lives  of  the  Americans 
were  not  exposed ;  and  though  the  British  were  abundantly  on 
our  coast  in  the  course  of  the  last  war  and  engaged  in  several 
encounters  with  our  men ;  it  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  no  Ame- 
rican belonging  to  Saybrook  or  Middletown  was  killed,  except- 
ing Mr.  Charles  Dolf,  a  worthy  inhabitant  of  Saybrook  Point. 
He  lost  his  life  Jan.  15,  1815,  in  retaking  a  sloop  from  the  pri- 
vateer Boxer  of  Lisbon.  At  the  same  time  Cyphenas  Cowles, 
lieutenant  of  the  privateer  was  killed,  and  five  seaman  were 
taken. 

The  pious  people  who  first  came  to  Saybrook  Point,  and  suf- 
fered so  much  from  the  Indians,  were  instructed  and  comforted 
by  the  Rev.  John  Higginson,  whose  ministrations  were  "  suita- 


Town  ofSaybrook.  95 

ble,  seasonable  and  profitable,  according  to  the  then  present  dis- 
pensation of  Providence." 

Mr.  Higginson,  came  with  his  father,  the  Rev.  Francis  Hig- 
ginson  from  Leicester  in  England  in  1629,  to  Salem  in  Massa- 
chusetts, where  his  father  re- settled.  After  labouring  at  Say- 
brook  three  or  four  years,  he  went  to  Guilibrd,  and  was  one  of 
the  seven  pillars  of  the  church  formed  in  that  town  in  1643; 
where  he  assisted  his  fether-in-law,  the  Rev.  Henry  Whitfield,  in 
the  instruction  of  the  people,  both  before  and  after  the  formation 
of  the  church.  From  the  return  of  Mr.  Whitfield  to  England  in 
1650,  he  was  sole  teacher  at  Guilford  until  1660,  when  he  de- 
termined to  go  to  England  himself  and  join  his  respected  relative 
and  friend  ;  and  he  took  shipping  for  the  purpose.  But  be- 
ing forced  into  Salem  by  contrary  winds,  the  people  there  per- 
suaded him  to  settle  as  colleague  with  his  father ;  and  he  was 
accordingly  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  that  place, 
on  the  29th  of  August,  in  the  last  mentioned  year,  where  he  died 
Dec.  9,  1708,  in  the  93d  year  of  his  age,  having  been  in  the  mi- 
nistry 72  years.  "  This  reverend  person,"  says  Cotton  Mather, 
"  has  been  always  valued  for  his  useful  preaching,  and  his  holy 
living:  besides  his  constant  labours  in  the  pulpit,  whereby  hi> 
own  flock  has  been  edified  ;  the  whole  country  has  by  the  pres* 
enjoyed  some  of  his  composures,  and  by  his  hand  the  compo- 
sures of  others  also,  passing  through  the  press,  have  been  accom- 
panied." He  wrote  the  attestation  to  the  Magnalia,  and  among 
other  compositions  which  he  published,  was  a  volume  of  ser- 
mons, dedicated  to  the  people  ofSaybrook,  Guilford  and  Salem. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Peters  succeeded  Mr.  Higginson  at  Say- 
brook,  and  after  a  ministry  of  a  few  years,  returned  to  England 
in  1645. 

Neither  of  the  above  clergymen  were  ordained  in  Say  brook, 
and  no  church  was  organized  there  until  1646,  the  time  of  the 
ordination  of  the  Rev.  James  Fitch. 

Mr.  Fitch  came  to  New-England  in  company  with  thirteen 
other  youth,  designed  for  the  holy  ministry.  He  spent  some 
years  at  Hartford,  engaged  in  preparatory  studies.  After  his 
settlement  at  Saybrook,  his  talents  drew  several  families  from 
Hartford  and  Windsor  to  that  town;  but  in  1660,  agreeable  to 
what  has  been  related,  he  was  induced  with  the  greater  part  of 
his  people  to  remove  to  Norwich.  In  that  town  he  not  only  in- 
structed his  own  charge,  but  acquiring  the  knowledge  of  the  Mo- 
heagan  language,  he  instructed  the  Indians  around  him  in  the 
principles  of  Christianity,  and  exerted  himself  to  dissuade  them 
from  their  savage  mode  of  life.  A  very  high,  and  it  is  believed, 
a  very  just  character,  is  given  of  him  on  his  monument,  which 
will  communicate  all  the  other  particulars  respecting  him.  whic\ 


96  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

need  to  be  related  in  this  work.  This,  translated  from  the  latin, 
is  as  follows  :  "  In  this  grave  are  deposited  the  remains  of  that 
truly  reverend  man,  Mr.  JAMES  FITCH.  He  was  born  at  Bok- 
ing,  in  the  county  of  Essex  in  England,  the  24th  of  December, 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1622.  Who,  after  he  had  been  most  ex- 
cellently taught  the  learned  languages,  came  into  New-England, 
at  the  age  of  16  ;  and  then  spent  seven  years  under  the  instruc- 
tion of  those  very  famous  men,  Mr.  Hooker  and  Mr.  Stone.  Af- 
terwards he  discharged  the  pastoral  office  fourteen  years  at  Say- 
brook.  Thence  he  removed  with  the  greater  part  of  his  church 
to  Norwich ;  where  he  spent  the  other  years  of  his  life  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry.  In  his  old  age  indeed,  he  was  obliged  to 
cease  from  his  public  labours,  by  reason  of  bodily  indisposition, 
and  at  length  retired  to  his  children,  in  Lebanon  ;  where,  after 
spending  nearly  half  a  year,  he  slept  in  Jesus,  in  the  year  1702, 
on  the  18th  of  November,  in  the  80th  year  of  his  age." 

"  He  was  a  man,  as  to  the  smartness  of  his  genius,  the  solidity 
of  his  judgment,  his  charity,  holy  labours,  and  every  kind  of  pu- 
rity of  life ;  and  also  as  to  his  skill  and  energy  of  preaching,  in- 
ferior to  none." 

Lessened  in  population  and  wealth  by  the  emigration  to  Nor- 
wich, Say  brook  remained  destitute  until  1670,  when  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Buckingham  was  settled  there.  Mr.  Buckingham  was 
of  Welsh  extraction.  His  parents  emigrated  to  Milford  in  this 
State  in  1646,  and  he  was  born  during  their  passage  across  the 
Atlantic.  Whether  he  was  educated  privately  by  some  of  the 
New- England  clergy,  or  went  to  Europe  for  an  education  is  un- 
known ;  nor  is  any  direct  information  possessed  respecting  his 
talents  or  character.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  and  trustees 
of  Yale-College,  and  exercised  a  general  superintendence  over 
it  in  the  last  years  of  his  life,  as  it  was  then  located  at  Saybrook. 
He  was  also  a  moderator  of  the  Board  which  adopted  the  Say- 
brook  Platform  in  1708.  He  died  in  1709. 

The  Rev.  Azariah  Mather,  a  descendant  of  the  Mather  family, 
which  furnished  so  many  distinguished  clergymen  in  the  early 
periods  of  New-England,  succeeded  him  in  1710. 

Mr.  Mather  had  been  a  tutor  of  the  College  in  Saybrook,  and 
had  enjoyed  an  opportunity  to  become  acquainted  with  the  peo- 
ple during  his  tutorship.  Asa  linguist  he  greatly  excelled,  and 
was  an  able  divine.  A  sermon  was  published  by  him  in  latin, 
on  being  baptized  for  the  dead.  He  was  dismissed  in  1732,  and 
died  in  1737. 

The  Rev.  William  Hart,  son  of  the  Rev.  John  Hart  of  East- 
Guilford,  happily  united  the  people  of  Saybrook,  and  was  or- 
dained their  pastor  in  1736. 

Mr.  Hart  was  a  gentleman  of  respectable  talents,  natural  and 


Town  of  Saybrook.  97 

acquired,  was  prudent  and  judicious  in  the  management  of  his 
flock,  and  enjoyed  to  an  uncommon  degree,  through  a  ministry 
of  nearly  thirty-eight  years,  their  affection  and  esteem.  In  the 
course  of  his  life,  he  published  several  occasional  sermons  and 
controversial  pieces.  In  one  of  these  pieces,  he  styled  the  pe- 
culiar sentiments  of  Dr.  Hopkins,  Hopkinsianism,  which  gave 
rise  to  that  term,  which  is  now  so  prevalent  in  our  country. 

The  Rev.  Frederic  W.  Hotchkiss  was  ordained  colleague  with 
him  in  1783,  and  is  now  his  successor. 

The  society  or  parish  of  Pautapoug,  was  incorporated  in  May 
1722,  and  then  included  the  society  of  Chester;  but  as  the  an- 
cient records  of  the  church  are  destroyed,  it  is  impossible  to  as- 
certain exactly  when  that  was  gathered. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Nott  preached  to  the  people  from  the  in- 
corporation of  the  society,  but  was  not  ordained  until  Nov.  1725. 
Nothing  is  known  respecting  him,  except  the  general  fact,  that 
he  was  a  respectable  clergyman.  He  died  in  1756. 

The  Rev.  Stephen  Holmes  was  constituted  the  pastor  of  Pau- 
tapoug by -installation,  the  next  year.  In  connection  with  the 
various  services  of  the  ministry,  he  practised  physic.  He  de- 
ceased in  1773. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  Dunning,  who  had  been  settled  in  Marl- 
borough,  a  pious  and  worthy  man,  succeeded  him  in  1776,"  and 
died  in  1785. 

The  Rev.  Richard  Ely  was  installed  in  Pautapoug,  in  1786. 
He  had  been  minister  in  North  Bristol,  a  parish  of  Guilford,  from 
June  7,  1757,  until  Aug.  1785.  He  performed  public  services 
generally,  until  the  settlement  of  his  colleague  in  1804;  soon 
after  which  he  removed  to  Chester,  and  lived  with  his  son,  the 
late  Dr.  Richard  Ely  ;  where  he  died  in  1814,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  81  years. 

The  Rev.  Aaron  Hovey,  the  colleague  of  Mr.  Ely,  is  pastor 
in  this  parish  at  the  present  time. 

The  incorporation  of  Westbrook  took  place  in  May  1 724,  and 
the  church  was  organized  June  29,  1726,  with  14  members.  At 
that  time  the  Rev.  William  Worthington  was  set  over  them  in  the 
Lord. 

Mr.  Worthington  was  a  man  of  agreeable  and  engaging  man- 
ners, a  worthy  minister,  greatly  beloved  by  his  brethren  and  all 
who  knew  him.  He  deceased  in  1756,  and  was  succeeded  the 
next  year,  by  the  Rev.  John  Devotion. 

In  the  early  part  of  his  public  life,  Mr.  Devotion  entertained 
an  unfavourable  opinion  of  those  sentiments,  which  are  termed 
Calvinistic,  but  was  more  reconciled  to  them  before  his  death, 
which  took  place  suddenly,  in  1802,  from  a  fit  of  the  apoplexy. 
He  possessed  a  clear  understanding,  and  was  a  good  scholar. 


98  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Rich  was  ordained  in  Westbrook  in  1804; 
•and  dismissed  in  1810.  He  was  afterwards  settled  in  Columbia 
in  this  State,  but  now  resides  in  Massachusetts. 

The  Rev.  Sylvester  Selden.  the  present  minister  in  West- 
brook,  was  ordained  in  1812. 

The  inhabitants  of  Chester  were  invested  with  parish  privi- 
leges, in  Oct.  1740,  and  a  church  was  formed  among  them,  Sept. 
15,  1742. 

Their  first  pastor  was  the  Rev.  Jared  Harrison,  who  was  or- 
dained at  the  time  of  the  formation  of  the  church.  His  connec- 
tion with  them  was  dissolved,  in  1751  :  after  which  they  were 
destitute  eight  years. 

The  Rev.  Simeon  Stoddard,  an  amiable  man,  grandson  of  the 
venerable  Mr.  Stoddard  of  Northampton,  was  ordained  in  Ches- 
ter in  1759,  and  died  in  1765. 

The  Rev.  Elijah  Mason,  who  had  been  a  settled  minister  in 
\Iarlborough,  succeeded  Mr.  Stoddard  in  1767,  and  died  in  1770. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Silliman,  who  had  preached  about  thirty 
years,  in  that  part  of  the  original  town  of  Norfolk,  now  called 
New  Canaan,  was  installed  in  Chester  in  1772.  He  died  in  his 
former  parish,  while  on  a  visit  to  his  friends  in  1781,  having  sus- 
tained the  reputation  of  a  faithful  minister. 

Th*e  late  Rev.  Samuel  Mills,  was  ordained  in  Chester  in  1786. 

After  leaving  College,  Mr.  Mills  was  employed  some  time  in 
;.he  business  of  keeping  school.  In  the  revolutionary  war,  he 
went  into  the  army  in  the  capacity  of  a  lieutenant  of  horse  ; 
where  he  received  a  wound  from  a  cutlass,  in  the  back  of  his 
neck,  in  an  engagement  with  the  British  at  Philadelphia.  Dur- 
ing his  ministry,  as  his  stipend  was  too  small  to  support  a  nu- 
merous family,  he  usually  instructed  a  number  of  youth  in  his 
own  house ;  and  thus  rendered  an  important  service  to  many 
persons  in  Chester  and  the  vicinity.  But  his  delight  was  in  the 
things  of  the  Kingdom  of  God.  No  man  was  more  sensible  oi 
the  necessity  and  value  of  religious  experience,  more  fond  of 
meetings  for  conference  and  prayer,  or  took  more  delight  in  con- 
versing on  the  doctrines  of  grace,  revivals  of  religion,  and  the 
efforts  recently  made  hi  Christendom  for  spreading  the  Gospel. 
The  truths  of  the  Bible  he  delivered  to  his  people  in  public 
and  private,  with  simplicity  and  plainness  ;  and  having  adorned 
them,  by  a  humble,  patient  and  prayerful  life,  he  died  in  faith 
and  hope. 

The  Rev.  Nehemiah  B.  Beardsley,  his  successor,  was  ordain- 
ed in  the  beginning  of  1816. 

Individuals  in  Pautapoug  had  been  attached  to  the  principles 
of  the  church  of  England  for  a  considerable  time ;  but  were  un- 
known as  a  society  until  about  1790.  These  have  enjoyed  oc- 


Town  of  Saybrook.  99 

.'asionally  the  services  of  Mr.  Blakesley  of  East-Hadclam,  and  of 
lome  other  clergymen. 

The  Baptists,  in  the  west  part  of  this  parish,  arose  as  early  as 
1740,  and  were  formed  into  a  society  about  1745.  They  have 
been  joined  by  a  few  families  from  the  neighbouring  parishes. 
Aspluncl  represents  a  church  to  have  been  organized  among 
:hem  in  1788 ;  but  it  was  probably  organized  previously  to  that 
time. 

The  Baptists  at  Pautapoug  Point  arose  in  1805,  and  their 
church  was  gathered  June  18.1811,  having  40  members.  A  few 
persons  from  the  first  parish  in  Killingworth,  united  with  them, 
in  July  of  the  same  year :  but  these  held  meetings  by  them- 
selves. 

In  the  account  of  Haddam  it  was  noticed,  that  some  families  in 
Chester  belong  to  the  Baptists  in  Haddam  Society. 

The  Methodists  must  be  considered  as  rising  in  Westbrook 
in  1816,  though  one  or  two  families  of  that  denomination  lived 
there  before. 

The  children  in  this  town  were  taught  in  a  school,  kept  in  Say- 
brook  parish,  for  many  years.  Schools  were  set  up  within  the 
bounds  of  the  other  parishes  as  soon  as  they  were  incorporated, 
and  probably  at  earlier  periods.  There  are  now  in  the  town  19 
schools,  3  of  which  are  in  Saybrook  parish,  8  in  Pautapoug,  5  in 
Westbrook,  and  3  in  Chester.  In  addition  to  monies  drawn 
from  time  to  time  from  the  treasury  of  the  State,  these  schools 
have  the  benefit  of  a  considerable  fund,  belonging  to  the  inha- 
bitants, derived  from  various  sources.  Mr.  Edward  Lorey  in 
his  last  will,  dated  June  17,  1689,  gave  to  them  300  pounds,  to 
be  applied  to  the  support  of  schooling.  The  Legislature,  by  an 
act  passed  in  Oct.  1718,  gave  to  them  50  pounds,  for  the  same 
purpose,  in  consideration  of  the  removal  of  the  College.  They 
also  received  another  sum  afterwards,  accruing  from  the  sale  of 
Litchfield  lands.  A  part  of  the  legacy  of  Mr.  Lorey  was  lost 
many  years  ago,  by  the  reception  of  bills  of  credit  from  those 
who  had  borrowed  it.  The  remainder  was  divided,  in  1773  or  74, 
to  the  several  parishes  in  the  town,  according  to  their  list;  and 
all  the  school-funds  in  the  town  are  now  given  up  to  the  parishes, 
to  be  used  by  them  for  the  education  of  their  children.  Their 
whole  amount  is  unknown.  Pautapoug  possesses  $  652  43. 

Reference  has  been  repeatedly  made  in  the  preceding  pages 
to  Yale-College,  as  being  several  years  in  this  town  ;  and  it  will 
be  psoper,  in  this  place,  to  relate  some  particulars  respecting  it. 

This  was  founded  in  the  year  1700,  by  ten  principal  clergy- 
men in  the  Colony,  designated  for  the  purpose,  by  the  general 
voice  of  their  brethren  and  of  the  people.  These  met  in  Say- 
brook,  Nov.  11.  1701,  having  received  the  patronage  of  the  Le- 

13 


J0€  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

gislature  ;  and  drew  up  some  rules  for  the  instruction  and  go- 
vernment of  the  institution  ;  and  appointed  the  Rev.  Abraham 
Picrson  of  Killingworth,  one  of  their  body,  to  take  the  charge  of 
it,  under  the  character  and  title  of  rector.  On  the  question 
of  its  location,  they  were  not  united  ;  but  concluded  that  Say- 
brook  would  be  the  best  situation  for  it  for  the  present.  As  the 
population  of  the  Colony  was  confined  almost  wholly  to  the  vi- 
cinity of  Connecticut  river  and  of  the  Sound,  there  was  no  place 
then,  where  students  could  be  more  conveniently  collected. 
They  accordingly  desired  the  rector  to  remove  thither  ;  but  un- 
til he  could  do  that,  consented  that  what  students  should  offer 
themselves,  might  be  instructed  at  Killingworth ;  and  they  ap- 
pointed a  tutor  to  assist  him  in  his  work.  Several  youth,  who 
had  been  pursuing  preparatory  studies  in  the  expectation  of  this 
seminary,  came  forward,  were  examined,  and  arranged  in  differ- 
ent classes,  according  to  the  proficiency  which  they  had  made. 
But  the  people  of  Killingworth  were  wholly  unwilling  that  their 
pastor  should  be  separated  from  them  ;  and  of  course  the  stu- 
dents were  instructed  in  Killingworth,  though  the  commence- 
ments were  held  at  Saybrook,  until  the  death  of  Mr.  Pierson,  in 
March  1707.  The  senior  class  was  then  removed  to  Milford, 
and  put  under  ihe  instruction  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Andrew,  rector 
pro  tempore  ;  while  the  other  classes  were  removed  to  Saybrook, 
and  put  under  the  instruction  of  tutor  Fiske,  until  commence- 
ment. After  this,  all  the  students  were  instructed  at  Saybrook 
by  two  tutors,  and  were  peaceable  and  happy,  making  respec- 
table advances  in  science,  until  the  winter  of  1715 — 16  ;  -when 
a  serious  and  alarming  disturbance  arose  among  them.  Na- 
thaniel Lynde  Esq.  had  generously  given  a  house  on  the  Point, 
for  the  use  of  the  college,  so  long  as  it  should  remain  in  Say- 
brook.  But  they  complained  of  the  settlement  as  not  being  suf- 
ficiently compact,  many  of  them  being  obliged  to  reside  more 
than  a  mile  from  the  place  of  public  exercises ;  and  of  their  in- 
struction and  government,  there  being  no  resident  rector,  and 
the  tutors  sometimes  very  young  and  inexperienced.  Those  most 
dissatisfied,  belonged  to  Hartford  or  the  vicinity,  where  a  strong 
desire  prevailed  to  effect  the  removal  of  the  college  ;  and  it  was 
supposed  that  they  were  instigated  to  the  complaints  which  they 
made.  In  the  month  of  April  the  trustees  came  together  to  con- 
sider the  circumstances  of  the  seminary,  and  were  unhappily 
divided  among  themselves ;  but  gave  leave  to  the  scholars 
who  wished  for  it,  to  repair  to  other  places  for  instruction  un- 
til commencement.  At  the  succeeding  session  of  the  Legisla- 
ture, two  of  the  trustees,  without  the  consent  or  knowledge  of 
heir  brethren,  petitioned  that  the  college  might  be  removed  to 
Hartford.  This  surprising  and  ungentleman-like  proceeding. 


Town  of  Saybroo/c.  101 

caused  passions,  which  had  long  been  kindling,  to  burst  forth  ; 
and  from  this  time  until  the  permanent  establishment  of  the  college 
at  New-Haven,  the  subject  of  its  location,  produced  more  de- 
bate and  division  in  the  Legislature,  and  in  the  Corporation, 
among  civilians  and  clergymen,  and  the  people  at  large,  than  al- 
most any  other  subject  which  has  ever  been  agitated  in  Connec- 
ticut, 

In  this  state  of  the  public  mind,  the  inhabitants  in  different 
parts  of  the  Colony,  in  the  summer  of  1716,  subscribed  large 
sums  for  the  college ;  in  the  hope  of  inducing  the  trustees  to  lo- 
cate it  where  it  would  best  accommodate  themselves.  About 
700  pounds  sterling  were  subscribed,  on  condition  of  its  being 
established  at  New-Haven  5  500  pounds  to  have  it  continued  at 
Say  brook  ;  and  a  considerable  sum  to  have  it  removed  to  Hart- 
ford or  Weathersfield.  At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  at  New-Ha- 
ven in  October,  a  vote  was  carried,  "  That  considering  the  diffi- 
culties of  continuing  the  collegiate  school  at  Saybrook,  and  that 
New-Haven  is  a  convenient  place  for  it,  for  which  the  most  li- 
beral donations  are  given,  the  trustees  agree  to  remove  the  said 
school  from  Saybrook  to  New-Haven,  and  it  is  now  settled  at 
New-Haven  accordingly."  But  notwithstanding  this  vote,  some 
years  elapsed  before  all  the  students  could  be  collected  at  New- 
Haven  ;  and  before  the  minds  of  all  the  trustees,  and  of  the  people 
generally,  were  united  and  quieted  with  respect  to  its  establish- 
ment at  that  place. 

The  feelings  raised  in  the  towns,  most  interested  by  this  sub- 
ject, may  be  gathered  from  circumstances  attending  the  removal 
of  the  library.  An  unsuccessful  application  having  been  made 
for  this  by  some  of  the  trustees,  the  Governor  and  council  con- 
vened in  Saybrook  at  their  request,  in  Dec.  1718;  and  issued  a 
warrant  to  the  sheriff  to  go  and  take  the  books.  When  he  got 
to  the  house  where  they  were  kept,  he  found  men  collected  to 
resist  him  ;  but  calling  assistance,  he  forcibly  entered  the  house, 
took  them,  and  had  them  secured  by  a  guard  through  the  night. 
In  the  morning  it  appeared,  that  the  carts,  provided  for  carrying 
them  to  New-Haven  were  broken,  and  the  horses  turned  away. 
New  provision  being  made,  they  were  conducted  out  of  the  town 
by  the  major  of  the  county  ;  but  some  of  the  bridges  on  the  road 
were  broken  up,  and  when  they  arrived  at  New-Haven,  it  was 
discovered,  on  counting  the  books,  that  about  260  were  wanting. 
These  were  disposed  of  by  persons  unknown,  together  with 
some  valuable  papers,  in  the  confusion  which  arose  at  the  taking 
of  the  library,  and  no  discovery  was  made  of  them  afterwards. 
But  the  college  had  still  more  than  1000  volumes,  and  its  pros- 
pects again  began  to  brighten. 

Fifteen  commencements  were  held  at  Saybrook.     At  thesr 


i02  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 

more  than  60  young  men  were  graduated,  most  of  whom  became 
ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and  some  of  them  characters  of  distin- 
guished usefulness  and  excellence. 

To  educate  young  men  of  piety  and  talents  for  the  holy  mi- 
nistry in  the  churches  in  the  Colony,  was  the  leading  design  of 
this  institution.  It  was  therefore  early  regarded,  by  the  found- 
ers and  by  others,  as  very  desirable,  that  these  churches  should 
have  a  public  standard  or  confession  of  faith ;  agreeable  to  which 
the  instruction  of  the  college  should  be  conducted.  This,  toge- 
ther with  the  importance  of  such  a  standard  on  other  accounts, 
led  to  various  measures,  which  resulted  in  the  adoption  of  Say- 
brook  Platform,  after  the  commencement  in  1708. 

The  fort  in  this  town,  called  usually  Saybrook  Fort,  but  some- 
times Fort  Fenwick,  however  it  may  be  regarded  now,  was  for- 
merly a  post  of  great  importance.  In  this  a  garrison  was  con- 
stantly kept  for  a  very  long  period,  and  it  has  usually  been  man- 
ned since  in  seasons  of  war  and  danger.  It  commands  the  entrance 
of  Connecticut  river.  It  was  first  built  of  wood,  in  front,  or  on 
the  point  of  Tomb  Hill.  But  as  this,  in  some  unaccountable 
manner,  took  fire  in  the  winter  of  1647,  and  was  consumed,  with 
some  adjoining  buildings,  the  fort  was  rebuilt  soon  after,  of  more 
substantial  materials,  and  placed  further  north,  on  what  was 
called  New-Fort  Hill.  This,  with  some  alterations,  is  the  pre- 
sent fortification. 

A  few  days  after  this  fort  was  begun,  in  1636,  a  Dutch  vessel 
arrived  from  New  Netherlands,  with  a  view  of  taking  possession 
of  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  of  laying  the  foundation  of  a  set- 
tlement. The  English  having  mounted  two  pieces  of  cannon, 
prevented  their  landing,  and  defeated  the  enterprize.  About  the 
time  of  the  Pequot  war,  the  fort  saved  the  inhabitants  of  Say- 
brook  from  being  cut  off  by  the  Indians  ;  and  in  the  summer  of 
1675,  prevented  the  surrendry  of  the  town  to  Major  Andross. 
Had  there  been  a  very  small  force  stationed  in  it  in  April  1814, 
it  would  also  have  prevented  the  burning  at  Pautapoug  Point. 

In  regard  to  distinguished  characters,  the  following  may  be 
noticed. 

Mr.  Winthrop  who  began  the  settlement,  was  one  of  the  great- 
est men  of  his  age.  He  was  born  at  Groton,  in  England  ;  was 
educated  at  the  Universities  of  Cambridge  and  Dublin ;  and  af- 
terwards travelled  through  the  principal  countries  of  Europe  ; 
acquiring  a  mass  of  information  respecting  those  countries,  and 
those  accomplishments,  which  arise  from  an  extended  intercourse 
with  polished  society  ;  and  what  is  much  more  to  his  honour,  he 
maintained  the  unblemished  morals  of  a  puritan,  in  the  midst  of 
all  the  fascinations  of  the  world.  Coming  to  Massachusetts  with 
his  father,  in  1631,  he  was  elected  into  the  magistracy.  Having 


Toron  of  Saybrook.  103 

i'elurned  to  Europe,  he  received  from  Lord  Say  and  Seal  and 
others,  the  commission  mentioned  in  the  beginning  of  this  ac- 
count. Sometime  after  the  fulfilment  of  this  commission,  having 
settled  at  New- London,  he  was  successively  elected  to  the  of- 
fices of  assistant,  lieutenant-governor,  and  governor.  Upon  the 
accession  of  Charles  II.  to  the  throne  of  England,  he  was  sent  to 
manage  the  affairs  of  the  Colony  before  the  King  ;  and  obtained 
the  charter,  which  united  New-Haven  Colony  with  Connecticut, 
and  which  was  the  basis  of  the  government  of  Connecticut,  thus 
enlarged,  for  more  than  a  century  and  a  half.  After  his  return 
from  this  mission,  be  was  placed  again  for  many  years  at  the 
head  of  the  Colony.  He  died  at  Boston,  whither  he  had  gone 
to  attend  a  meeting  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  United  Colo- 
nies, April  5,  1676,  in  the  71st  year  of  his  age;  where  he  was 
honourably  interred  in  the  same  tomb  with  his  father ;  in  which 
also  his  son,  the  Hon.  Fitz  John  Winthrop,  another  governor  of 
Connecticut,  was  afterwards  interred. 

Mr.  David  Gardiner,  who  had  been  procured  to  superintend 
the  building  of  the  fort,  and  who  afterwards  commanded  the  gar- 
rison, was  a  gentleman  of  respectability  and  worth.  About 
1639,  he  removed  to  Manchanoc,  now  Gardiner's  island,  and 
•.'/as  the  first  English  inhabitant  within  the  present  limits  of 
'.he  State  of  New- York.  He  resided  several  years  in  East- 
Hampton,  on  Long-Island,  which  was  settled  soon  after  he  left 
Saybrook;  where  he  was  frequently  chosen  a  magistrate,  and 
where  he  transacted  public  business  until  his  death,  in  1663. 
His  son,  David  Gardiner  jr.,  was  born  at  Saybrook  April  29, 
1636,  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  first  white  child,  born 
in  the  county. 

George  Fenwick  Esq.  who  came  to  this  town  in  1639,  was 
•'  a  worthy  pious  gentleman,  and  of  a  good  family  and  estate." 
Before  he  sold  the  jurisdiction  of  Saybrook,  he  was  generally 
known  and  greatly  respected  in  New-England,  and  held  a  seat 
in  the  board  of  Commissioners  for  the  United  Colonies,  as  being 
the  head  of  Saybrook  settlement.  Afterwards,  he  was  elected 
into  the  Council  of  Connecticut,  and  represented  at  the  same  board 
,1  Colony  instead  of  a  town.  His  wife  was  Lady  Anne  Botcler 
or  Butler,  the  daughter  of  an  English  nobleman,  who  retained  her 
maiden  name.  She  died  in  1648,  and  about  that  time  he  return- 
ed to  England,  where  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  judges  for  the 
trial  of  Charles  I.  He  deceased  in  March  1657,  probably  at 
Sussex,  as  his  will  was  there  proved.  In  this,  he  bequeathed  500 
pounds  to  the  public  use  of  New-England,  on  condition  that  his 
friend  Governor  Hopkins,  (who  was  then  in  England,)  should  ap- 
prove of  it,  to  be  used  in  that  way  which  he  should  direct.  But 
as  Mr.  Hopkins,  died  a  day  or  two  before  him,  his  approbation 


104  '  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 

was  impossible,  and  so  the  bequest  was  lost.  But  the  will  itself, 
expressed  his  benevolent  affections,  particularly  to  his  friends  in 
America. 

Capt.  John  Mason  who  had  commanded  the  successful  expe- 
dition against  the  Pequots,  removed  from  Windsor  to  this  town, 
at  the  request  of  the  inhabitants  in  1647,  and  was  constituted 
commander  of  the  fort.  He  was  also  "  authorized  to  govern  all 
the  soldiers  and  inhabitants  of  the  town  ;  to  call  them  forth  and 
put  them  in  such  array,  as  should  be  necessary  for  the  general 
defence  of  the  country."  In  1660,  he  removed  with  Mr.  Fitch 
and  others,  and  settled  Norwich  ;  where  he  died  in  1672  or  73, 
in  the  73d  year  of  his  age.  Besides  his  military  employments, 
he  was  an  assistant  in  the  Colony  from  1642  to  1660,  and  thence- 
forward lieutenant-governor  until  1670.  He  was  a  gentleman 
of  great  courage  and  prudence,  and  of  unblemished  morals. 

The  Hon.  Robert  Chapman,  ancestor  of  the  Chapmans  in  Say- 
brook,  East-Haddam,  and  other  parts  of  the  State,  came  to  Bos- 
ton in  the  autumn  of  1635,  and  thence,  the  following  spring,  to 
this  town,  where  he  spent  his  days.  While  Col.  Fenwick  re- 
mained in  the  country  he  was  one  of  his  particular  friends  and 
confidants,  and  among  other  services  was  employed  by  him  in 
purchasing  Manchanoc  of  the  Indians.  In  connection  with  civil 
offices  in  the  town,  he  held  the  station  of  an  assistant  from  1681 
to  1685.  In  the  near  view  of  death,  which  took  place  in  Oct. 
1687,  he  wrote  an  address  to  his  children,  giving  them  his  part- 
ing counsel.  In  this,  after  relating  the  religious  exercises  of  his 
own  mind,  and  making  some  observations  on  the  state  of  the 
church,  he  exhorted  them,  (who  were  all  professors  of  religion,) 
to  examine  well  the  reasons  of  their  hope,  to  rely  upon  Christ, 
and  to  follow  diligently  every  good  work. 

Mr.  John  Tully  was  born  in  the  parish  of  Horley,  in  the 
county  of  Surry,  near  London,  about  1639,  and  came  to  this 
town  when  a  lad.  From  the  instructions  and  libraries  of  a  few 
gentlemen  in  Saybrook,  he  became  acquainted  with  several 
branches  of  science,  and  was  afterwards  a  teacher  of  arithme- 
tic, navigation  and  astronomy.  The  almanacks  published  in 
New-England  from  1681  to  1702  were  composed  by  him.  The 
last  was  printed  at  Boston  after  his  death,  which  occurred  Oct. 
5,  1701.  He  had  the  reputation  of  an  intelligent  and  serious 
man. 

The  Hon.  Samuel  Lynde,  son  of  Nathaniel  Lynde  Esq.  whose 
generosity  to  the  college,  while  it  remained  in  Saybrook,  ha? 
been  noticed,  received  his  education  principally  under  rector 
Pierson  at  Killingworth.  There  he  made  those  improvements, 
which  laid  a  foundation  for  his  eminence  and  usefulness.  From 
1724  until  1729,  he  was  a  justice  of  the  quorum,  and  from  the 


Town  of  Saybrook.  1  Oa 

latter  year  until  1752,  judge  of  the  county  court  for  New-Lon- 
don county;  thence  till  his  death,  in  1754,  he  was  a  judge  of 
the  superior  court.  For  twenty-lour  years  also,  he  held  a  seat  in 
the  Council.  A  manuscript  from  Saybrook,  declares  him  to  have 
been  "  a  gentleman  much  respected  for  his  talents  and  piety,  a 
civil  and  religious  father  among  the  people." 

Mr.  David  Bushnell,  the  ingenius  inventor  of  the  American  Tur- 
tle, was  a  native  of  the  parish  of  Westbrook.  At  the  age  of  about 
thirty,  he  became  a  member  of  Yale-College,  where  he  made 
uncommon  improvements  in  mathematical  science.  In  the  last 
year  of  his  Collegiate  life,  in  1775,  he  invented  the  machine 
just  named,  for  the  purpose  of  annoying  the  British  shipping, 
which  cruised  upon  our  shores  in  the  revolutionary  war.  Seve- 
ral other  machines  were  invented  by  him  for  the  same  purpose. 
These  gave  him  a  very  high  reputation  as  a  mechanical  genius : 
but  their  effect  upon  the  British  vessels,  in  most  instances  in 
which  they  were  used,  consisted  in  terror  and  alarm,  rather  than 
in  real  injury.  About  1777,  having  been  recommended  by  Pre- 
sident Stiles,  Gen.  Parsons  and  other  literary  characters,  hewa.s 
appointed  captain  of  a  company  of  sappers  and  miners,  and  in 
that  capacity  served  through  the  war.  Upon  the  cessation  oi 
hostilities,  he  returned  to  Westbrook,  settled  his  domestic  con- 
cerns, and  then  sailed,  as  was  supposed,  for  France:  since  which 
nothing  certain  has  been  heard  concerning  him,  but  the  presump- 
tion is  that  he  died  many  years  ago. 

Mr.  Bushnell  was  a  man  of  very  unassuming  manners,  reserv- 
ed in  his  conversation,  keeping  all  his  plans  to  himself,  and  ex 
.:mplary  as  a  professor  of  the  Christian  religion. 

All  the  parishes  in  this  town  have  been  blessed  with  revival? 
of  religion.  From  a  revival  which  spread  in  Chester  in  1803. 
46  persons  were  added  to  the  Congregational  church  in  that  pa- 
rish, and  some  to  the  Baptist  church  in  the  west  part  of  Pauta- 
poug.  From  another  revival  in  1814,  the  same  Congregational 
church,  received  an  addition  of  17  members.  From  a  powerful 
revival  which  extended  through  Saybrook  parish,  Westbrook 
and  also  the  two  parishes  of  Killingworth  and  the  parish  of  East- 
Guilford,  in  the  winter  of  1809  and  10,  more  than  70  were  added 
to  the  church  in  Saybrook,  and  60  to  the  church  in  Westbrook. 
A  less  extensive  revival  spread  in  Westbrook  in  1816,  which  re- 
sulted in  the  admission  of  24  to  the  church.  Twenty  were  ga- 
ihered  into  the  Congregational  church  in  Pautapoug  from  a  re- 
vival in  1814. 

In  the  parishes  in  this  town,  as  well  as  in  other  parishes  in  the 
-"ountv.  there  are  female  charitable  associations, 


STATISTICAL   ACCOUNT 


TOWN  OF  KILLINGWORTH 


THIS  Town  is  bounded  by  the  Sound,  on  the  south  ;  by  Guil- 
ford,  or  rather  by  Hammonnasset  river,  on  the  west-,  by  Dur- 
ham and  Haddam,  on  the  north  ;  and  by  Saybrook,  on  the  east- 
It  is  from  10  1-2  to  13  miles  long;  from  the  Sound,  10  1-2  miles 
northward,  its  medium  breadth  is  about  4  miles  ;  and  thence  for- 
ward 2  1-2.  Its  area  is  about  30,880  acres.  It  comprizes  two 
parishes ;  the  first  of  which  is  usually  called  by  the  name  of  the 
town  :  the  second  is  called  North-Killingworth. 

In  Oct.  1663,  the  Legislature  resolved  that  there  should  be  a 
town  at  Hammonnasset ;  (this  Indian  name  being  then  applied  to 
the  tract  now  constituting  Killingworth,  as  well  as  to  the  river  on 
its  western  border,)  and  the  same  month  twelve  planters  moved 
into  it.  These  were  joined  by  sixteen  others,  in  the  course  of 
two  or  three  years ;  and  the  town  was  divided  into  30  rights, 
one  right  being  reserved  for  the  first  minister  that  should  be  set- 
tled there,  and  another  for  the  support  of  the  ministry  for  ever. 
The  names  of  the  settlers  and  proprietors,  were  as  follows,  viz. 
JohnMeigs,  Bryan  Rosseter,  John  Rosseter,  George  Chatfield. 
Nathaniel  Parmale,  Thomas  Stevens,  William  Stevens  and  Ben- 
jamin Wright,  from  Guilford  ;  William  Kelsey,  John  Kelsey  and 
Joseph  Willcox,  or  Willcoxson,  from  Hartford ;  Edward  Gris- 
wold,  from  Saybrook ;  Josias  Hull,  from  the  county  of  Barnsta- 
ble,  Mass.  ;  Henry  Farnum  and  Eleazer  Isbel,  from  Long- 
Island  ;  Samuel  Buel  from  Wales ;  William  Barber,  from  Eng- 
land ;  and  Matthew  Allen,  Henry  Crane,  Jonathan  Dummer,  Jo- 
seph Hand,  William  Heyden,  John  Hodge,  John  Nettleton,  Tho- 
mas Smith,  William  Wellman,  Jonas  Westover  and-Robert  Wil- 
liams. 

The  settlement  began  to  the  left  of  the  stage  road,  from  Ham- 


Town  of  Killingworth.  107 

inonnasset  bridge  to  Killingworth  meeting-house,  and  thence 
spread  east  and  north.  Bryan  Rossiter  and  John  Meigs,  who 
had  left  Guilford  in  consequence  of  disturbances  which  followed 
the  removal  of  Mr.  Higginson,  returned  to  that  town  upon  the 
peaceable  settlement  of  Mr.  Elliot  in  1664.  But  their  places 
were  soon  filled  by  others.  Ananias  Turner  and  Andrew  Ward 
moved  into  Killingworth  as  early  as  1670.  Robert  Lane,  from 
Derbyshire  in  England,  and  the  ancestors  of  the  Merrills  and 
Rutty  families  were  also  early  settlers.  Robert  Carter  from 
Bristol,  in  England,  became  an  inhabitant  about  1700,  and  Ebe- 
nezer  Kurd,  from  Waterbury  in  this  State,  about  1706.  The 
Morgans  in  this  town,  are  from  Groton,  and  the  Hillyards,  from 
Stonington. 

The  settlement  in  North-Killingworth  began  in  1716.  The 
first  settlers  in  this  parish,  were  Isaac  Kelsey  Esq.,  Dea.  Josiah 
Hull,  Dea.  Joseph  Willcox,  Dea.  Daniel  Buel,  John  Willcox, 
Joseph  Griswold,  Nathaniel  Parmelee,  Ebenezer  Hull,  Samuel 
Stevens  and  Edward  Rutty.  These  were  all  from  the  first  parish 
in  the  town.  Solomon  Davis,  Timothy  Chittenden  and  Theo- 
philus  Redfield  soon  united  with  them  ;  but  from  what  places  they 
emigrated,  is  not  known.  James  Hill,  David  Blatchley  and 
Bezaliel  Bristol,  moved  into  this  place  from  Guilford  about 
1750.  The  Graves  and  Hams  families  are  from  Saybrook. 

The  plantation  in  this  town  was  called  the  plantation  at  Ham- 
inonnasset,  and  the  plantation  between  Saybrook  and  Guilford, 
until  May  1667.  At  that  time,  the  place  was  named  Kenil- 
joorth,  after  a  town  in  the  county  of  Warwick  in  England,  from 
which,  according  to  tradition,  some  of  the  settlers  at  first  emi- 
grated. The  name  is  thus  spelt  in  the  early  records  both  of  the 
town  and  colony;  but  by  corrupt  spelling  or  pronunciation,  the 
present  name  was  finally  adopted. 

On  the  26th  of  Jan.  1686,  the  Assembly  granted  to  the  in- 
habitants of  this  town,  the  lands  north  of  their  bounds  and  of 
the  bounds  of  Guilford,  and  west  of  Haddam,  up  to  Coginchaug 
swamp,  except  such  lands  within  these  limits  as  were  included  in 
previous  grants.  These  lands,  thus  granted,  together  with  the 
lands  previously  possessed,  were  confirmed  to  them  by  a  patent, 
given  in  Oct.  1703  :  but  the  jurisdiction  of  the  tract  granted  in 
1686,  was  surrendered  to  Durham,  by  agreement,  in  June  1708. 

The  Indians  were  very  numerous  in  the  southern  part  of  this 
town,  on  the  banks  of  Hammonnasset  and  Indian  rivers,  and 
about  the  harbour.  Immense  masses  of  mouldering  shells  still 
point  out  the  places  where  they  dwelt. 

Most  of  their  lands  were  sold  to  Col.  Fenwick,  while  he  lived 
at  Saybrook.  On  the  20th  of  November,  1669,  Uncas,  sa- 
chem of  Moheagan,  with  Joshua,  his  son,  sold  to  the  inhabitant^ 

14 


108  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

of  Killingworth,  all  the  lands  in  the  township,  which  he  had  not 
before  sold  to  George  Femvick,  Esq.  excepting  six  acres  on  the 
big  hammock,  (which  lay  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  harbour,) 
reserving,  however,  free  liberty  to  hunt  in  the  woods  and  fish  in 
the  rivers,  and  to  use  any  trees  for  canoes,  and  rushes  and  flags 
for  mats.  The  reason  of  these  sales'  being  made  by  the  sachem 
of  Moheagan,  was  this,  that  after  the  war  with  the  Pequots,  in 
which  he  assisted,  he  claimed  the  lands  which  had  belonged  to 
(hat  nation,  and  to  those  who  were  tributary  to  them.  The  In 
dians  lived  in  this  town  in  great  numbers  until  1730  or  40. 

The  south,  and  particularly  the  south-western  section  of  Kil- 
lingworth parish  is  level,  having  a  soil  formed  of  loam,  sand  and 
occasionally  of  gravel,  which  by  good  husbandry  is  rendered 
very  productive.  Northeast  and  north  from  this,  the  land  is 
gravelly  and  hilly.  .This  is  true  of  almost  all  the  land  in  North- 
Killingworth,  which  is  better  fitted  for  grazing,  than  for  grain 
and  corn.  The  principal  hills  in  the  town,  are  Long-Hill,  Horse- 
Hill,  Cow-Hill  and  Chesnut-HilK 

Hammonnasset  river,  which  has  been  already  noticed,  is  prin- 
cipally valuable  for  a  few  mill-seats  which  it  furnishes.  It  has 
its  sources  in  Durham ;  but  receives  a  considerable  branch, 
which  rises  near  the  borders  of  Haddam. 

Indian  river,  the  only  other  stream  in  this  town  deserving  no^ 
uce,  except  Menunketesuck,  which  was  described  in  the  account 
of  Saybrook,  rises  in  Cedar  swamp  in  North-Killingworth,  runs 
through  the  center  of  Killingworth  parish,  and  uniting  with  the 
Hammonnasset,  forms  Killingworth  harbour. 

This  harbour  is  a  mile  below  Killingworth  street.  It  is  safe 
from  winds  and  has  good  anchorage  ;  but  a  bar  lies  at  its  en 
irance,  on  which  there  is  only  eight  feet  of  water  in  common  tides. 
Shad  were  formerly  caught  here  in  abundance :  it  now  fur- 
nishes a  supply  of  shell-fish  for  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  and 
of  the  eastern  part  of  Guilford,  and  its  oysters  are  of  a  very  fine 
flavour. 

One  half  of  this  harbour  belonged  to  Killingworth,  and  one 
half  to  Guilford  until  Dec.  1790.  At  an  adjourned  session  of  the 
Legislature,  held  at  that  time,  it  was  enacted,  "  that  a  line  run- 
ning from  the  mouth  of  Dudley's  creek,  in  Hammonnasset  river. 
50  degrees,  10  minutes  east,  to  West  Rock,  (so  called,)  upon  tm 
Sound,  being  216  rods,  should  be  the  dividing  line  between  Kil- 
lingworth and  Guilford."  This  threw  the  whole  of  the  harbour, 
and  a  point  of  land  east  of  said  line  into  Killingworth  :  but  i; 
was  provided,  that  this  act  should  not  prevent  the  town  of  Guil- 
ford from  regulating  the  fisheries  of  clams  and  oysters,  as  full) 
*s  though  this  act  had  not  been  passed. 

Killingworth   street   is   very  pleasant.     It  is  a  mile   and   a 


Town  of  Killingworth.  1(W 

half  in  length,  6  rods  wide,  and  is  crossed  about  midway  by  Indian 
river.  On  meeting-house  hill,  immediately  east  of  this  river,  it 
appears  with  great  advantage.  Here  is  also  a  fine  view  of  the 
harbour  and  of  the  Sound.  The  prospect  from  the  steeple  is 
more  extensive  and  beautiful.  On  this  street  there  are  65  dwell 
ing-houses,  and  109  arc  in  the  village.  Here  are  several  mer- 
chant stores  and  here  most  of  the  business  in  the  town  is  trans- 
acted. A  few  coasting  vessels  are  owned  by  the  inhabitants. 

The  emigrations  from  this  town  have  been  numerous.  Of  the 
first  settlers,  the  nine  whose  names  are  printed  in  italics,  have 
no  descendants  here  at  the  present  time.  Several  families 
\vithin  a  few  years  have  removed  to  Bergen,  in  the  State  of  New- 
York. 

No  inhabitant  of  Killingworth  has  ever  been  convicted  of  a 
capital  offence  :  but  a  woman  in  the  north  part  of  the  town,  in  a 
state  of  delirium,  killed  three  of  her  children,  Oct.  14, 1779,  by 
cutting  their  throats  with  a  knife  ;  and  would  have  killed  herself, 
in  the  same  dreadful  manner,  had  she  not  been  stayed  at  the  mo- 
ment, by  the  interference  of  her  husband. 

A  forge  was  formerly  improved  on  Menunketesuck  river,  in 
the  south-eastern  part  of  North-Killingworth.  In  this  for  a  sea- 
son iron  was  made  from  black  sand. 

On  this  stream,  within  the  same  parish  a  woollen  factory  wa* 
erected  in  1814.  In  this,  wool  has  been  consumed  at  the  rate  of 
6000  pounds  a  year. 

Shipbuilding  was  begun  in  this  town  about  the  beginning  of 
the  last  century  by  Mr.  Robert  Carter  ;  and  for  many  years  thi? 
has  been  a  leading  branch  of  business.  Three  yards  are  im- 
proved, which  are  all  on  Indian  river. 

The  inhabitants  of  Killingworth  were  encouraged  to  settle  in 
church  order  by  the  General  Assembly,  in  Oct.  1667.  A  church 
was  formed  among  them  soon  after,  and  the  Rev.  John  Wood- 
bridge  ordained  their  pastor. 

Mr.  Woodbridge  was  dismissed  in  1679,  and  re-settled  the 
same  year,  in  Weathersfield.  Cotton  Mather  ranks  him  among 
the  most  excellent  clergymen  of  Connecticut. 

But  the  effect  of  his  dismission  was  unhappy  upon  the  people 
of  Killingworth.  They  fell  into  divisions,  and  no  minister  was 
settled  among  them  until  1694.  At  that  time,  the  Rev.  Abra- 
ham Pierson,  afterwards  rector  of  the  College,  was  sent  to  them 
as  an  angel  of  peace.  Under  his  ministry  their  divisions  were 
healed,  and  they  remained  united  and  happy  during  his  life. 

Mr.  Pierson  was  the  son  of  the  Rev.  Abraham  Pierson,  for 
some  time  minister  in  Yorkshire,  in  England,  then  at  Southamp- 
ton, Long-Island,  then  at  Branford,  in  this  State,  and  afterwards 
at  Newark,  New-Jersey.  The  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born 


110  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 

during  his  father's  continuance  at  Branford,  was  educated  at  Hai 
vard  College,  and  was  settled  colleague  with  his  father  in  the 
church  at  Newark,  where  he  remained  sole  teacher  some  years 
after  his  father's  death.  At  Killingworth  he  was  not  only  a 
great  blessing,  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel,  but  as  rector  of  the 
college.  This  he  instructed  and  governed  with  general  appro- 
bation :  he  also  composed  for  the  students  a  system  of  natural 
philosophy,  which  they  recited  for  many  years.  But  as  effort? 
were  made  to  induce  him  to  remove  to  Saybrook,  his  people  be- 
came uneasy  on  that  subject,  and  were  unwilling  that  he  should 
act  as  rector.  At  a  town-meeting,  held  Nov.  7,  1706,  he  sent 
to  them  a  request  in  behalf  of  the  trustees,  that  they  would  allow 
the  college  to  remain  in  Killingworth  under  his  care.  They 
voted  they  were  not  willing  it  should  remain  there  as  it  had 
been.  He  dreaded  a  separation  from  them,  as  he  had  lived 
among  them  in  love  and  harmony,  and  yet  his  heart  was  strongly 
attached  to  the  college.  Circumstances  therefore,  were  prepar- 
ing the  way  for  a  decision  of  the  question,  whether  he  should  be 
rector  only  and  so  remove  to  Saybrook,  or  remain  in  his  pas- 
toral relation  at  Killingworth,  when  he  sickened  and  died,  in 
March  1707. 

lii  regard  to  his  person,  he  was  above  a  middling  stature,  was 
fleshy  and  well  favoured  :  as  a  Christian  he  was  charitable  and 
pious ;  in  preaching,  he  excelled ;  and  by  his  talents  and  cha- 
racter, was  excellently  qualified  for  the  station  to  which  he  was 
advanced.  "  He  was  a  hard  student,  a  good  scholar,  a  great  di- 
vine, and  a  wise,  steady  and  judicious  man  in  all  his  conduct.'' 

The  same  affection  which  he  had  all  along  exercised  towards 
his  people,  displayed  itself  in  the  closing  scenes  of  life.  While 
some  of  the  elders  of  the  church  were  standing  around  his  dy- 
ing bed,  he  earnestly  advised  them  to  procure  Mr.  Jared  Elliot, 
who  had  been  educated  under  him,  to  be  his  successor,  whom  he 
judged  likely  to  become  a  pious,  steady  and  useful  minister. 
The  advice  was  followed,  and  Mr.  Elliot  was  called  to  the  pasto- 
ral office  the  next  June,  though  from  a  diffidence  in  his  abilities 
to  discharge  so  great  a  trust,  he  was  not  ordained  till  two  years 
after.  How  correct  and  how  useful  the  rector's  advice  was.  will 
be  best  illustrated  by  a  sketch  of  Mr.  Elliot's  life. 

He  was  the  eldest  son  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Elliot,  a  worthy 
minister  of  the  neighbouring  town  of  Guilford,  whose  pious  and 
pithy  letter  to  his  brother  at  Roxbury,  recently  published  in  se- 
veral periodical  works,  has  brought  his  excellencies  afresh  to  re- 
membrance ;  and  grandson  of  the  famous  John  Elliot  of  Rox- 
bury, whose  holy  evangelical  labours,  particularly  among  the  In- 
dians, secured  to  him  the  title  of  the  apostle  John.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch,  possessed  a  liberal  portion  of  those  excellencies 


Town  of  Killing-worth.  Ill 

by  which  his  ancestors  were  distinguished,  while  in  some  re- 
spects he  evidently  surpassed  them. 

His  early  progress  in  literature  was  not  rapid,  but  what  he 
once  acquired  he  never  lost ;  and  the  solid  rather  than  brilliant 
qualities  of  his  mind,  accompanied  by  the  goodness  of  his  dis- 
position and  the  regularity  of  his  life,  induced  his  sagacious  in- 
structor to  form  the  opinion  of  his  future  excellence,  which  has 
been  related.  As  he  applied  himself  more  and  more  to  study, 
his  mind  improved  in  quickness  of  apprehension  as  well  as  in 
strength,  and  he  at  length  acquired  a  greatness  and  excellence 
rarely  surpassed,  at  least  in  our  country.  He  had  the  singular 
talent  of  applying  himself  to  a  variety  of  employments,  to  di- 
vinity, to  physic,  and  to  various  branches  of  literature,  without 
disorder,  and  though  his  acquisitions  in  nothing  were  as  great  as 
they  probably  would  have  been,  if  his  attention  had  not  been 
thus  divided,  yet  they  were  very  respectable  and  in  some  things 
eminent. 

There  are  three  points  of  light  in  which  Mr.  Elliot  may  be  ad- 
vantageously viewed  ;  as  a  divine,  a  physician,  and  a  scholar. 

,As  a  divine,  he  possessed  enlarged  views  of  the  system  of  re- 
ligion contained  in  the  Scriptures,  and  held  the  doctrines  gene- 
rally believed  by  the  divines  of  New-England.  In  his  preach- 
ing he  was  plain  and  familiar,  happy  in  allusions  to  Scripture, 
-ind  abounding  in  original  and  laconic  expressions. 

As  a  physician,  he  was  well  versed  in  the  science  of  medicine, 
and  very  extensively  employed,  not  only  in  his  own  town,  but  for 
many  years  in  the  neighbouring  places  ;  and  such  was  his  re- 
putation, that  he  was  sometimes  called  out  of  the  colony.  In 
attending  the  sick,  he  was  careful  not  to  lose  the  character 
of  a  minister  in  that  of  a  physician,  but  intermingled  with 
prescriptions  for  the  body,  advice  and  instruction  for  the  soul. 

The  standing  of  Mr.  Elliot  as  a  divine  and  physician,  pre- 
.supposes  an  extensive  acquaintance  with  literature.  In  history, 
natural  philosophy,  bolany  and  mineralogy  he  excelled.  Nor 
did  his  knowledge  rest  in  speculation  :  he  was  eminently  a  prac- 
tical man.  By  several  small  treatises,  he  laboured  to  improve 
the  agriculture  of  his  country.  Some  considerations  had  led 
him  to  believe  that  the  black  sand,  which  appears  occasionally 
on  the  beach  of  the  Sound  might  be  wrought  into  iron.  He 
made  an  experiment  upon  it  in  the  year  1761  and  succeeded.  For 
this  discovery,  he  was  honoured  with  a  medal,  by  the  Society  in- 
stituted in  London  for  the  encouragement  of  arts,  manufactures 
ind  commerce. 

Mr.  Elliot  was  fond  of  society  ;  and  by  a  pleasant  and  socia- 
ble temper,  connected  with  his  various  talents,  was  eminently 
qualified  to  secure  and  entertain  friends.  His  acquaintances  and 


U2  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 

correspondents  were  numerous.  Among  these  were  Dr.  Frank 
lin,  and  Dr.  Berkley,  Bishop  of  Cloyne.  By  his  representa- 
tions, and  those  of  a  few  others,  the  latter  gentleman  was  led 
to  make  extensive  benefactions  to  that  institution,  whose  instruc- 
tion Mr.  Elliot  had  shared,  and  with  which  for  thirty-two  years 
he  was  connected  in  the  capacity  of  a  trustee. 

In  charities  he  abounded.  Much  of  his  practice  was  perform- 
ed gratuitously.  But  while  he  scattered  he  increased.  Wise  in 
his  calculations,  he  acquired  a  large  landed  estate,  which  laid 
the  foundation  for  the  wealth  of  a  numerous  family. 

Notwithstanding  his  numerous  avocations  and  employment:,, 
he  was  preserved  by  the  blessing  of  God  upon  a  firm  constitu- 
tion to  a  good  old  age,  steadily  advancing  the  happiness  of  all 
around  him.  For  more  than  forty  years,  he  never  failed  of 
preaching  at  home  or  abroad  a  part  of  every  sabbath.  He  died 
in  1763,  and  was  succeeded  in  the  charge  at  Killingworth,  the 
next  year,  by  the  Rev.  EliphaletHuntington. 

Mr.  Huntington  was  strongly  attached  to  the  doctrines  ol 
grace,  and  a  warm  and  zealous  preacher.  He  fell  a  victim  to 
the  small  pox,  in  1777. 

His  successor  was  the  late  reverend  and  beloved  Achilles 
Mansfield ;  a  gentleman  distinguished  for  mild  and  pleasant 
manners,  for  uniformity  and  sweetness  of  disposition,  and  for  the 
patient  endurance  of  afflictions.  He  also  possessed  a  liberal 
share  of  ministerial  gifts  and  graces.  For  several  years  he  was 
a  fellow  of  Yale-College. 

The  pastor  of  the  church  in  Killingworth  at  this  time,  is  the 
Rev.  Hart  Talcott. 

The  inhabitants  of  North-Killingworth,  though  several  years 
contemplating  it,  were  not  formed  into  a  distinct  parish  until  May 
1735.  In  Jan.  18,  1738,  fifty  persons  who  had  been  members 
of  the  first  church  in  the  town,  were  formed  into  a  new  church, 
and  the  Rev.  William  Seward  was  at  the  same  time  constituted 
their  pastor. 

Mr.  Seward  was  the  son  of  Dea.  William  Seward  of  Durham. 
His  natural  talents  were  good  ;  and  though  he  spent  a  portion  oi 
his  time  in  manual  labour,  his  acquisitions  were  respectable. 
As  he  preached  without  notes  in  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  his 
sermons  may  not  have  possessed  all  the  correctness  they  would, 
if  they  had  been  written  ;  but  they  were  replete  with  sound  evan- 
gelical instruction.  Having  a  deep  sense  of  the  value  of  truth 
in  his  own  soul,  he  laboured  to  bring  his  people  to  understand 
and  practise  it.  To  all  these  he  was  a  father,  and  friend  ;  from 
them  he  received  continually  the  expressions  of  affection  and  es- 
teem ;  and  had  abundant  occasion  through  life,  to  rejoice  in  their 
regular  religions  habits.  After  a  ministry  of  forty-four  year*. 


Town  of  Killingworth.  i  1 3 

iie  fell  asleep,  and  entered,  as  there  is  good  reason  to  believe, 
into  the  joys  of  his  Lord. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Ely  was  ordained  in  this  place  in  1782,  and 
dismissed  in  1801. 

His  successor,  the  Rev.  Josiah  B.  Andrews,  was  ordained  in 
1802,  and  dismissed  in  1811. 

Divisions  growing  out  of  events  which  attended  the  dismission 
of  these  two  clergymen,  both  of  whom  are  still  living,  rendered 
the  prospects  of  this  parish  gloomy  for  a  season.  But  the  minds 
of  the  people  became  gradually  tranquil,  and  they  are  now  unit- 
ed and  happy  under  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Asa  King,  who  was 
for  some  years  settled  in  the  town  of  Pomfret. 

A  few  individuals  professed  themselves  Episcopalians  in  Kil- 
lingworth 40  or  50  years  ago ;  but  they  kept  up  meetings  only 
for  a  short  period. 

In  1800,  an  Episcopal  society  was  formed  in  North-Killing- 
worth  and  the  adjoining  parish  of  North- Bristol,  in  Guilford, 
which  includes  all  the  Episcopalians  in  those  two  parishes.  This 
had  only  two  families  at  first,  from  North-Killingworth ;  but  it 
has  now  thirty  or  forty.  The  society  is  a  part  of  the  cure  of 
the  Rev.  David  Baldwin  of  Guilford. 

Some  families  from  the  two  parishes  in  this  town  belong  to  the 
Baptisls  who  meet  for  worship  in  the  west  part  of  Pautapoug. 
Some  also  in  the  village  of  Killingworth,  who  embraced  the 
Baptist  sentiments  in  1806,  connected  themselves  with  the  Bap- 
tists at  Pautapoug  Point  in  July  1811.  as  was  noticed  in  the  ac- 
count of  Saybrook. 

A  few  Methodist  families  in  the  northern  part  of  the  town,  be- 
long to  the  Methodist  Society  in  Haddam  :  a  few  also  attend  meat- 
ing  in  North-Bristol. 

From  a  revival  which  prevailed  in  North-Killingworth  in  1 801 
and  2,  a  very  considerable  addition  was  made  to  the  church. 
From  an  extensive  revival  which  spread  through  this  town,  and 
some  adjoining  places  in  the  winter  of  1809 — 10,  about  40  were 
brought  into  the  communion  of  the  church  in  Killingworth  parish, 
ind  51  into  the  communion  of  the  church  in  North-Killingworth. 


STATISTICAL  ACCOUNT 


OP   THE 


TOWN  OF  DURHAM. 


THIS  Town  is  from  5  1-2  to  6  1-2  miles  long,  irom  east  to  west. 
and  4  miles  broad,  and  comprizes  about  15,360  acres.  It  is 
bounded  by  Killingworth  and  Guilford,  on  the  south  ;  by  Wal- 
lingford,  on  the  west;  by  Middletown,  on  the  north;  and  by 
Haddam,  on  the  east.  That  portion  of  it,  known  by  the  name 
of  Haddam  Quarter,  formerly  belonged  to  Haddam ;  and  the 
whole  of  it  was  supposed  to  belong  to  the  neighbouring  towns, 
until  they  were  surveyed  ;  when  a  tract  was  found  to  be  left. 
This  was  small  for  a  distinct  plantation  ;  and  does  not  appear  to 
have  been  contemplated  with  that  view  for  a  long  period :  but 
many  lots  or  farms  in  it,  were  granted  by  the  Legislature  to  per- 
sons who  had  performed  important  services  for  the  Colony.  In 
this  way,  more  than  5000  acres  became  the  property  of  indivi- 
duals, before  any  settlement  was  made. 

These  grants  proved  unfavourable  to  the  settlement  of  the 
town,  for  the  grantees  were  widely  dispersed  in  Connecticut ; 
and  were  so  situated,  most  of  them,  that  they  could  not  remove 
and  occupy  their  rights ;  or  that  they  did  not  wish  to  alienate 
them.  The  large  grant  to  Killingworth,  in  1686,  described  in 
the  account  of  that  town,  was  still  more  unfavourable. 

In  1698,  however,  David  Seward  from  Guilford  moved  into  the 
town,  and  some  of  his  neighbours  contemplated  following  him. 
The  next  spring  therefore,  a  petition  was  presented  to  the  Le- 
gislature, signed  by  thirty-one  inhabitants  of  that  town,  that  there 
might  be  a  plantation  at  Coginchaug,  the  Indian  name  of  Dur- 
ham. This  was  urged  on  the  ground  that  Coginchaug  was  so 
far  from  other  settlements,  that  the  people  could  not  go  to  them 
for  public  worship.  The  petition  was  granted,  and  soon  after  a 
>ifp  wos  selected  for  a  meeting-house  on  a  hill  in  the  southern 


Town  of  Durham.  116 

part  of  the  town,  which  from  that  circumstance  is  called  meet- 
ing-house hill  to  this  day.  But  very  few  of  the  peiitioners  left 
Guilford,  and  no  plantation  was  immediately  formed. 

In  May  1704,  the  proprietors  of  farms  at  Coginchaug,  be- 
sought the  Assembly  for  some  act,  which  should  encourage  a 
settlement  at  that  place.  In  answer  to  this,  the  Assembly  de- 
creed, or  rather  proposed,  that  the  proprietors  should  give  up 
one  fourth  part  of  their  farms,  and  that  the  part  thus  given  up, 
with  the  common  lands  should  be  laid  out  in  lots,  for  such  per- 
sons as  should  offer  themselves  for  inhabitants.  The  Assembly 
also  proposed  to  the  people  of  Killingworth  to  do  the  same, 
with  respect  to  the  tract  granted  to  them,  (for  the  idea  of  annex- 
ing that  to  a  settlement  at  Coginchaug  had  already  occurred,) 
and  it  was  provided,  on  condition  of  their  consenting  to  this, 
that  they  should  have  the  privilege  of  appointing  from  among 
themselves,  their  proportion  of  a  committee  to  lay  out  the  lots. 
At  the  same  time  it  was  enacted,  that  the  plantation  at  Cogin- 
chaug should  be  called  Durham. 

These  proposals  were  accepted,  and  settlers  came  in  from 
various  places ;  who,  in  May  1708,  were  favoured  with  a  pa- 
tent, confirming  to  them  all  the  lands  in  the  township.  The 
number  of  adult  male  inhabitants  at  that  time,  was  thirty- 
four,  most  of  whom  were  heads  of  families.  Their  names  were 
as  follow,  viz.  Caleb  Seward,  David  Seward,  Joseph  Seward, 
David  Robinson  and  Joel  Parmelee,  from  Guilford  ;  the  Rev. 
Nathaniel  Chauncey,  Isaac  Chauncey,  Robert  Coe,  Joseph  Coe, 
Samuel  Fairchild,  James  Curtis,  Jehiel  Hawley  and  Benjamin 
Baldwin,  from  Stratford ;  Richard  Beach  and  Benjamin  Beach, 
supposed  to  have  been  from  the  same  place;  James  Baldwin, 
Samuel  Camp,  William  Roberts,  Samuel  Sanford  and  Thomas 
Wheeler,  from  Milford ;  Joseph  Gaylord,  Joseph  Gaylord,  Jr. 
John  Gaylord,  Joseph  Hickcox  and  Stephen  Hickcox,  from  Wa- 
terbury;  Joseph  Norton  and  Samuel  Norton,  from  Saybrook; 
John  Sutliff  and  Nathaniel  Sutliff,  from  Deerfield;  James  Wads- 
worth,  from  Farmington  ;  Jonathan  Wells,  from  Hatfield ;  Hen- 
ry Crane,  from  Killingworth  ;  Hezekiah  Talcott,  from  Hartford  ; 
and  Ezekiel  Buck,  from  Weathersfield. 

Directly  after  they  received  their  patent,  these  settlers  pur- 
chased of  the  inhabitants  of  Killingworth,  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
tract  granted  to  them,  for  which  they  gave  them  the  fee  of  GO 
acres  of  land. 

They  were  very  early  joined  by  John  Norton,  from  Saybrook, 
by  the  ancestors  of  the  Lymans,  Parsonses  and  Strongs,  from 
Northampton;  of  the  Newtons,  Guernseys,  Tibbalses,  Mer- 
wins  andCanfields,  from  Milford  ;  of  the  Pickets,  from  Stratford ; 
of  the  Bateses,  from  Haddam  ;  and  of  the  Hulls  from  Killing- 

15 


116  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ,* 

worth.  In  later  periods,  families  have  settled  in  the  town,  b> 
the  name  of  Hall,  Hart,  Bishop  and  Scranton,  from  Guilford; 
of  Smith  and  Johnson,  from  Middletown,  of  Chalker  and  Love- 
land  from  Saybrook,  and  of  Butler,  from  Branford. 

As  early  as  1723,  John  Sutliff,  Nathaniel  Sutliff,  and  probably 
some  others  from  Durham,  settled  on  Haddam-Quarter.  Per- 
sons also  from  other  towns  settled  on  this  tract.  These  had  the 
consent  of  the  people  of  Haddam,  that  they  might  attend  public 
worship  in  Durham  ;  and  in  Oct.  1773,  the  Quarter  was  annex- 
ed to  this  toxvn. 

There  is  no  evidence  that  the  Indians  ever  dwelt  in  Durham 
in  any  considerable  numbers,  or  for  long  periods  ;  but  they  re- 
sorted to  it  occasionally  for  the  purpose  of  hunting.  They  were 
however  regarded  as  the  rightful  owners  of  the  soil,  and  their 
title  was  purchased  by  Samuel  Wyllys  and  others,  on  the  24th 
of  Jan.  1672,  at  the  same  time  that  a  purchase  was  made  of  lands 
in  Middletown. 

This  is  a  good  farming  township,  and  the  inhabitants  are  em 
ployed,  almost  universally,  in  the  cultivation  of  the  earth. 
They  formerly  raised  wheat  in  large  quantities  for  market. 
They  now  raise  good  crops  of  rye,  corn,  oats,  flax,  &c. 

The  town  also  is  very  pleasant.  The  principal  settlement  is 
on  the  road  which  runs  through  it  from  north  to  south,  on  ground 
moderately  elevated,  descending  to  the  right  and  left.  Imme- 
diately to  the  right,  is  a  large  tract  of  low  land,  and  then  a  tract 
of  higher  land,  extending  to  Wallingford  Mountains.  On  the 
left  is  an  interval,  east  of  which,  the  land  rises  into  hills,  as  it 
does  also  in  the  southern  part  of  the  township. 

The  tract  of  low  land,  was  called  by  the  Indians  Coginchaug, 
or  the  long  swamp,  and  from  this  the  name  was  applied  to  the 
township.  This  is  generally  cleared,  and  yields  a  large  quantity 
of  coarse  grass.  The  tract  might  be  rendered  valuable  by  more 
effectual  draining. 

The  largest  stream  in  Durham,  is  that  which  rises  at  the  foot 
of  Bluff  Head  in  Guilford,  runs  north  through  the  swamp  just 
named,  and  passes  into  Middletown ;  in  the  account  of  which  it 
is  described.  This  receives  one  or  two  brooks  from  the  west  on 
its  passage  through  this  place,  and  also  Allen's  brook  from  the  east. 

In  the  northeast  corner  of  the  town  is  Miller's  Pond,  a  mile 
in  circumference.  This  is  the  source  of  Miller's  brook,  which 
runs  into  Middletown.  At  the  southwest  corner,  partly  in  this 
town,  is  Pistapog  Pond.  This  is  remarkable,  as  containing 
within  its  limits,  in  a  single  monument,  the  corner  boundary  oi 
four  towns,  viz.  Durham,  Guilford,  Branford  and  Wallingford. 
This  is  a  mile  long  and  half  a  mile  wide,  and  sends  forth  a  small 
stream,  which  runs  through  Branford  arid  East-Haven,  into  thr 
Sound.  Both  these  ponds  furnish  small  fish. 


Town  of  Durham.  11? 

There  is  a  quarry  of  free  stone  in  Haddam-Quarter,  from 
which  stone  have  been  taken  to  a  limited  extent  for  70  or  80 
years. 

The  first  white  child  born  in  this  town  was  Ephraim  Seward, 
son  of  Mr.  Seward,  the  first  settler,  He  was  born  Aug.  6,  1 700; 
and  died  in  1780. 

In  1756,  there  were  799  inhabitants  in  Durham,  exclusive  oi 
Haddam-Quarter,  in  which  there  may  have  been  100  or  150 
more.  In  1774,  there  were  1076,  and  in  1810,  1101. 

The  reason  that  there  has  been  no  more  increase  of  popula- 
tion for  many  years  is,  that  individuals  and  families  have  re- 
moved almost  perpetually  to  other  places.  Many  of  the  early 
settlers  of  the  town  have  no  descendants  here  at  the  present 
iime,  or  none  who  bear  their  names.  Some  of  the  people  re 
moved  to  Granville,  in  Massachusetts,  about  1750,  some  to  San 
dersfield  about  1765,  and  some  to  West-Stockbridge  and  Rich- 
mond, about  1786.  Some  removed  to  Durham  in  the  State  of 
New- York  about  1788;  some  to  Whitestown  about  1796. 
and  others  at  more  recent  periods  have  gone  to  New-Connec- 
ticut. 

The  inhabitants  of  Durham  made  early  provision  for  the  en 
joyment  of  the  worship  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord ;  and  it  is  a 
remarkable  fact,  that  they  are  now  enjoying,  after  the  lapse  oi 
considerably  more  than  a  century,  the  labours  of  their  third  mi- 
nister. In  May  1706,  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Chauncey  was  pro- 
cured to  preach  to  them.  He  remained  with  them  as  a  candi- 
date until  Feb.  7,  1711,  when  he  was  ordained  their  pastor. 

Mr.  Chauncey  was  the  son  of  the  Rev.  Israel  Chauncey  of 
Stratford,  and  grandson  of  the  Rev.  Charles  Chauncey,  presi- 
dent of  Harvard  College.  He  received  his  education  in  Con- 
necticut, and  was  the  first  person  on  whom  the  honours  of  Yale- 
College  were  conferred,  having  never  been  graduated  at  any  other 
seminary.  Through  the  agency  of  a  friend  in  England,  he  pur- 
chased a  very  large  and  valuable  library,  and  thus  provided  the 
means  of  gratifying  his  love  of  reading  and  study,  of  enlarging 
his  views,  and  of  rendering  himself  more  extensively  useful. 
Through  life  he  was  regarded  as  a  man  of  wisdom  and  pru- 
dence, as  a  good  scholar,  and  as  an  able  divine.  His  sermons 
were  wholly  written,  but  he  never  carried  his  notes  into  the 
desk,  unless  in  quite  the  latter  part  of  his  days  ;  and  of  course 
he  was  in  the  habit  of  preaching  from  memory.  His  elocution 
was  distinct,  and  his  addresses  grave  and  pungent.  In  his  fami- 
ly and  among  his  people,  in  all  the  relations  and  duties  of  life, 
his  conduct  was  such  as  becomes  the  Gospel.  After  a  ministry 
of  almost  fifty  years,  including  the  time  of  his  services  as  a  can- 
didate, he  descended  to  the  grave,  greatly  lamented.  The  Revc 


118  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

Mr.  Todd  of  East-Guilford,  preached  a  sermon  on  the  occasion 
of  his  death,  and  drew  his  character  with  the  affection  of  a 
friend,  and  the  faithfulness  of  a  historian. 

The  Rev.  Elizur  Goodrich,  D.  D.  succeeded  him  in  the  autumn 
of  1756,  and  like  him  possessed  a  distinguished  and  excellent 
character. 

Dr.  Goodrich  was  both  a  graduate  and  tutor  of  Yale-College. 
After  settling  in  Durham,  he  had  the  use  of  the  important  libra- 
ry of  his  predecessor.  As  this  consisted  of  books  generally 
•written  in  Latin,  he  read  extensively  in  that  language.  He  was 
also  well  versed  in  Greek,  and  excelled  in  Hebrew.  As  a 
mathematician  he  had  few  equals,  and  probably  no  superiors  in 
our  country.  He  was  indeed  a  sound  and  general  scholar.  As 
a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  few  understood  better  the  evidences  of 
Christianity,  or  were  more  able  to  defend  the  Bible  as  a  revela- 
tion from  heaven.  In  preaching  he  dwelt  principally  upon  the 
more  common  subjects  of  faith  and  morals,  because  he  judged 
them  to  be  the  most  useful.  In  prayer  his  mouth  was  filled  with 
arguments,  especially  on  sudden  and  affecting  occasions.  In 
connection  with  his  official  and  stated  services,  he  fitted  many 
young  men  for  a  public  education,  and  superintended  others  in 
pursuing  studies,  preparatory  to  the  ministry.  In  cases  of  diffi- 
culty he  was  abundantly  consulted  by  his  brethren,  and  by  the 
neighbouring  churches ;  and  he  uniformly  employed  his  talents 
and  influence  in  the  promotion  of  order  and  peace.x  In  1776, 
he  was  elected  a  fellow  of  Yale-College,  and  ever  after  had  an 
extended  and  happy  influence  in  the  management  of  the  affairs  of 
that  important  institution.  On  "  Nov.  1 7,  1 797,  he  set  out  from  his 
house  on  an  annual  visit  to  the  Collegiate  lands  in  the  county  of 
Litchfield.  The  following  Sabbath  he  preached  at  Litchfield, 
and  on  Monday  rode  to  Norfolk.  He  lodged  at  the  house  of 
Capt.  Titus  Ives,  and  went  to  bed  in  his  usual  health  and  cheer- 
fulness. In  the  morning  he  rose  early,  and  having  partly  dress- 
ed himself,  fell  upon  the  floor  in  an  apoplectic  fit  and  expired,  in 
the  64th  year  of  his  age  and  42d  of  his  ministry.  His  remains 
were  brought  to  Durham  the  succeeding  Saturday,  and  followed 
to  the  grave  by  his  family,  church  and  congregation,  and  a  nu- 
merous concourse  of  strangers."  President  Dwight  delivered 
an  appropriate  and  affecting  discourse  on  the  occasion,  which  is 
now  in  the  hands  of  the  public.  The  eldest  son  of  Dr.  Good- 
rich, was  the  Hon.  Chauncey  Goodrich,  the  late  respected  and 
excellent  lieutenant-governor  of  this  State. 

The  Rev.  David  Smith  is  pastor  of  the  church  in  Durham  at 
the  present  time. 

A  few  Methodists  arose  in  this  town  in  1 802.  In  1 803,  a  por- 
tion of  the  people  were  formed  into  an  Episcopal  society,  and 


Town  of  Durham. 

some  have  declared  themselves  by  certificates  to  be  strict  or  re- 
formed Congregationalists.  But  no  denomination  beside  the 
Congregational,  holds  meetings  constantly  on  the  sabbath,  ex- 
cept the  Methodist. 

There  is  only  one  school  district  in  this  town,  though  schools 
are  taught  in  five  different  places.  But  one  school  appears  to 
have  been  kept  until  Dec.  1737,  when  the  people  on  the  west 
side  of  Coginchaug  swamp  were  allowed  to  have  a  school.  One 
was  set  up  soon  after  at  the  north  end  of  the  town. 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Robinson,  who  died  Oct.  10,  1789,  gave  a  lega- 
cy for  the  benefit  of  a  school  in  the  center  of  Durham,  provided 
it  should  be  kept  1 1  months  annually.  This  consists  partly  of 
money  and  partly  of  land,  and  amounts  to  about  400  dollars. 

The  following  distinguished  characters  must  be  noticed. 

Col.  James  WadsWorth,  one  of  the  first  settlers,  was  bred  a 
lawyer,  and  though  it  is  not  likely  that  he  was  ever  extensively 
employed  in  that  capacity,  yet  he  was  called  to  various  public 
services.  The  people  of  Durham  gave  him  almost  all  the  offices 
at  their  disposal ;  and  when  his  abilities  and  worth  came  to  be 
generally  known,  he  was  honoured  repeatedly  by  appointments 
from  the  Colony.  He  was  the  first  justice  of  the  peace  in  the 
town,  and  had  the  command  of  the  first  military  company  at  its 
formation.  Upon  the  organization  of  the  militia  in  1 739,  he  was 
constituted  colonel  of  the  10th  regiment.  For  a  time  he  was 
justice  of  the  quorum  for  the  county  of  New-Haven.  From 
1718  until  1751,  he  was  an  assistant.  In  May  1724,  he  was  ap- 
pointed with  several  other  gentlemen,  to  hear  and  determine  all 
matters  of  error  and  equity,  brought  on  petition  to  the  General 
Assembly,  and  from  1725  until  he  left  the  Council,  was  one  of 
the  judges  of  the  Superior  Court.  In  fulfilling  the  public  duties 
assigned  him,  ability  and  integrity  were  alike  conspicuous  ;  while 
an  exemplary  attendance  upon  the  worship  and  ordinances  of 
the  Lord,  gave  a  peculiar  dignity  to  his  character.  He  died  in 
Jan.  1756,  aged  78. 

Col.  Elihu  Chauncey,  son  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chauncey,  was  an 
upright,  useful  and  worthy  man.  For  a  very  long  period  he  was 
connected  with  the  county  court  in  New-Haven  county,  either 
as  a  justice  of  the  quorum  or  as  judge ;  and  for  forty  years,  with 
scarcely  an  exception,  he  represented  the  town  in  the  General 
Assembly,  He  died  in  April  1791,  aged  81. 

Gen.  Phinehas  Lyman,  an  officer  in  the  second  French  war, 
was  born  in  Durham,  but  I  am  not  sufficiently  acquainted  with 
his  history  to  give  his  character ;  and  as  he  removed  from  the 
town  after  completing  his  education,  it  does  not  so  properly  be- 
long to  this  work. 

The  late  Gen.  James  Wadsworth,  was  son  of  James  Wads- 


120  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County* 

worth  Esq.,  and  grandson  of  Col.  Wadsworth,  whose  character  has 
just  been  related.  He  was  graduated  at  Yale-College  in  1748  ; 
and  settling  in  his  native  town,  was  soon  advanced  in  milita- 
ry life ;  and  afterwards  was  constituted  by  the  Assembly  the 
commander  of  a  brigade.  For  two  or  three  years,  in  the  course 
of  the  revolutionary  war,  he  was  a  member  of  Congress.  For 
some  time  he  was  justice  of  the  quorum,  and  then  judge  of  the 
Court  of  common  pleas  in  New-Haven  county.  In  1786  and 
87,  he  was  controller  of  public  accounts  in  the  State ;  and  from 
1785  until  1789,  a  member  of  the  Council.  At  the  latter  period, 
some  objections  in  his  mind  against  taking  the  oath  of  fidelity  to 
the  constitution  of  the  United  States,  induced  him  to  retire  from 
public  business.  He  died  in  Sept.  1816,  aged  87. 

Gen.  Wadsworth  was  a  gentleman  of  dignified  manners,  of 
sound  understanding,  and  of  the  strictest  m'orals. 

A  revival  of  religion  of  considerable  extent,  prevailed  in  Dur- 
ham about  1736  ancl  7.  Revivals  also  prevailed  here  in  1803,  in 
1808  and  in  1815;  by  the  first  of  which,  63,  by  the  second  60 
or  70,  and  by  the  third,  32  persons,  were  brought  into  the  com- 
munion of  the  Congregational  church. 


NOTES 


ILLUSTRATING  THE  PRECEDING  ACCOUNT. 


Note  A)  referred  to,  page  3. 

As  Middlesex  county  was  not  formed  until  the  spring  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  several  towns  must  have  repaired  to  the 
courts,  in  the  counties  to  which  they  previously  belonged,  in 
civil  and  criminal  suits,  (from  the  time  of  the  organization  ot 
those  counties,)  up  to  this  period.  This  was  true  of  Durham  still 
later,  as  that  town  did  not  become  a  part  of  Middlesex  till  the 
autumn  of  1799.  Several  gentlemen  in  these  towns  appear,  from 
the  records  of  the  Colony  and  State  of  Connecticut,  to  have  held 
seats  in  the  courts  of  Hartford,  New-London  and  New-Haven 
counties. 

The  Hon.  JOHN  HAMLIN  of  Middletown  was  Judge  of  the  county 

court  for  Hartford  county,  from  May  1715  to  1716 

The  Hon.  JABEZ  HAMLIN          do.  „       „     1754    „    1784 

The  following  gentlemen  were  justices  of  the  quorum  for  the 
same  county,  viz. 

Hon.  JABEZ  HAMHN  of  Middletown,      from  May  1745  to  1754 
SETH  WETMORE  Esq.         do.  ,,       „     1761    „    1778 

Hon.  HEZEKIAH  BRAINERD  of  Haddam,    „       „     1722   „    1723 
Hon.  JOSEPH  SPENCER  of  East- Haddam,    „       „     1778    ,,    1779 

The  Hon.  SAMUEL  LYNDE  of  Saybrook  was  Judge  of  the  county 
court  for  New-London  county,  from  1729  to  1752 

The  following  gentlemen  were  justices  of  the  quorum,  viz. 

NATHANIEL  LYNDE  Esq.  of  Saybrook,  (generally  if  not  uniform- 
ly,) from  May  1689  to  1721 
DANIEL  TAYLOR  Esq.           do.  „       „     1701    „    1722 
Hon., SAMUEL  LYNDE              do.  7,       „     1724   „    1729 
MURDOCH  Esq.             do. 


1 22  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ,- 

ELIHU  CHAUNCEY  Esq.  of  Durham  was  Judge  of  the   county 

court  for  New-Haven  county,  from  May  1773  to  1778 

Hon.  JAMES  WADSWORTH  do.          „       „     1778   "    1789 

The  following  gentlemen  were*  justices  of  the  quorum,  viz. 

Hon.  JAMES  WADSWORTH  of  Durham,  from  May  1716  to  1718 
ELIHU  CHAUNCEY  Esq.  do.  „  „  1752  ,,  1773 

Hon.  JAMES  WADSWORTH  do.  ,,       „     1773   „    1778 

Middlesex  county  court  has  been  constituted  as  follows. 
JUDGES. 

Gen.  DYAR  THROOP  of  E.  Haddam,  from  May  1785  to  May  1789 
Col.  MAT.  TALCOTT  of  Middletown,  ,,  Oct.  1789  „  „  1790 
Gen.  WILLIAM  HART  of  Saybrook,  „  May  1790  „  ,,  1796 
Dr.  JOHN  DICKINSON  of  Middletown,  ,,  ,,  1796  „  „  1807 
Hon.  ASHER  MILLER  do.  „  ,,  1807 

JUSTICES  OF  THE  QUORUM. 

Col.  MAT.  TALCOTT  of  Middletown,  from  May  1785  to  Oct.  1789 

Dr.  JOHN  DICKINSON  do.  „      „       ,,      ,,  May  1796 

Col.  WM.  WORTHINGTON  of  Saybrook,  „      ,,       „      „ 

Dr.  HEZEKIAH  BRAINERD  of  Haddam,  „      ,,       „      „ 

EBENEZER  WHITE  Esq.  of  Chatham,   „      „     1786  „ 

Gen.  WILLIAM  HART  of  Saybrook,      „  Oct.  1789  ,, 

HEZ.  LANE  Esq.  of  Killingworth,        „  May  1790  „ 

JABEZ  CHAPMAN  Esq.  of  E.  Haddam,  ,,      „     1795  „ 

JONATHAN  LAY  Esq.  of  Saybrook,      „      „     1796  ,, 

ABRA'M  PIERSON  Esq.of  Killingworth,  „      „     1797  „ 

ELIJ.  HUBBARD  Esq.  of  Middletown,  „      „     1802  „ 

Col.  ELIPH.  HOLMES  of  E.  Haddam,    „      „        „      ,, 

WM.  MORGAN  Esq.  of  Killingworth,     „      „        „      „      ,,       „ 

Gen.  SETH  OVERTON  of  Chatham,       „      ,,     1806  „      ,,    1818 

Col.  LEMUEL  STORRS  of  Middletown,  „  Oct.  1808  ,,  Dec.  1816 

Col.  JOSIAH  GRIFFIN  of  E.  Haddam,  ,,  May  1817  ,,  May  1818 

JOSHUA  STOW  Esq.  of  Middletown,     „      „     1818 

JOEL  PRATT  Esq.  of  Saybrook,  „      „        ,, 

STATE'S   ATTORNIES. 

Hon.  ASHER  MILLER  of  Middletown,  from 1 785  to 1 794 

Hon.  SAMUEL  W.  DANA,         do.         ,,    1794  „ 1797 

Hon.  J.  O.  MOSELY  of  E.  Haddam,     „    1797  „  Mar.  ISO.'* 

Hon.  S.  T.  HOSMER  of  Middletown,  „  March  1805  „  „  ISli. 
MATTHEW  T.  RUSSEL  Esq.  do.  „  June  1815  „  Sept.  1818 
MAJOR  ANDRE  ANDREWS  Esq.  do.  .,  Sept.  1818 


Notes.  123 

CLERKS. 

Hon.  S.  T.  HOSMER  of  Middletown,  from  —  1785  to  Dec.  1800 
JOHN  FISK  Esq.  do.  „   Dec.  1800 

SHERIFFS. 

WM.  W.  PARSONS  of  Middletown,  from 1785  to   Oct.  1791 

ENOCH  PARSONS  Esq.          do.          „      Oct.  1791   „    May  1818 
.1.  LAWRENCE  LEWIS  Esq.  do.          „      May  1818 

Until  May  1666,  the  "  probation  of  wills  and  other  testamen- 
tary matters"  in  Connecticut,  were  transacted  in  what  was  then 
called  the  "  Court  of  Magistrates."  After  this  for  30  or  40  years 
they  were  transacted  in  the  county  courts,  and  then  distinct  pro- 
bate courts  were  established  in  the  several  counties.  These 
were  succeeded  by  the  district  probate  courts  which  exist  at 
the  present  time. 

In  Oct.  1 74 1 ,  the  towns  of  Haddam,  East-Haddam,  Colchester, 
Hebron  and  that  part  of  Middletown  [now  Chatham]  lying  south 
of  Salmon  river,  were  formed  into  a  probate  district,  called  the 
district  of  East-Haddam.  Haddam  was  taken  from  this  and 
united  to  a  new  district  in  May  1752,  and  Hebron  in  May  1789. 
The  following  gentlemen  have  been  judges  of  this  court;  viz. 

Hon.  JOHN  BULKLE  Y  of  Colchester  from  Oct.  1741   to 1 753 

Hon.  J.  SPENCER  of  E.  Haddam         „   1753  „   Jan.  1789 

ISAAC  SPENCER  Esq.        do.  „     Jan.  1789  „   May  1818 

B.  TRUMBULL  Jr.  Esq.  of  Colchester  „     May  1818 

N.  B.  In  May  1776,  DANIEL  BRAIIVERD,  Esq.  of  East-Haddam,  was  appointed 
to  act  as  judge  of  this  court  while  the  Hon.  Joseph  Spencer  should  be  out  of  the 
State  in  the  army  of  the  United  States. 

In  May  1752,  Middletown,  including  Chatham,  except  the 
part  lying  south  of  Salmon  river,  that  part  of  Berlin,  formerly 
taken  from  Middletown,  Haddam  and  Durham,  were  formed  into 
a  probate  district,  called  the  district  of  Middletown.  Haddam, 
as  noticed  above,  previously  belonged  to  the  district  of  East- 
Haddam,  and  Durham  to  the  district  of  Guilford.  The  judges 
of  this  court  have  been  : 

Hon.  JABEZ  HAMLIN  of  Middletown  from  May  1752  to  May  1789 
Hon.  ASHER  MILLER         do.  ,,       ,,     1789  „     ,,     1793 

Dr.  JOHN  DICKINSON        do.  „       „     1793  „      „     1807 

Hon.  A.  MILLER  do.  (re-appointed)    „       „     1807 

Saybrook  and  Killingworth,  which  had  belonged  to  the  dis- 
trict of  Guilford  from  Oct.  1719,  were  formed  into  a  new  district 
in  May  1780,  called  the  district  of  Saybrook.  The  judges  of 
this  district  have  been  : 

16 


124 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 


Col.  A.  ELLIOTT  of  Killingworth 
HEZEKIAH  LANE  Esq.         do. 
JONATHAN  LAY  Esq.  of  Saybrook 
WILLIAM  LYNDE  Esq.         do. 


from  May  1 780  to  Dec.  1785 
„       „     1786  „  Nov.  1809 
„       „     1810  ,,May  1818 
1818 


The  following  lists  contain  the  names  of  those  who  have  been 
justices,  or  as  they  were  formerly  called  commissioners,  in  the 
towns  belonging  to  Middlesex.  The  lists  for  Middletown  and 
Saybrook  may  not  be  complete,  and  perhaps  the  names  are  not 
arranged  in  any  case,  exactly  according  to  the  order  of  appoint- 
ment. Those  whose  names  are  printed  in  italics  were  appointed 
justices  at  the  time  Middlesex  county  was  formed,  most  of  whom 
doubtless  had  been  in  the  commission  of  the  peace  years  before. 
Those  whose  names  have  an  asterisk  annexed  to  them,  remov- 
ed from  the  county. 


MIDDLETOWN. 

Deaths. 

£ 
tc 

^ 

MIDDLETOWN. 

Deaths. 

to 

2. 

Robert  Webster, 

Ebenezer  Roberts  2d  W. 

Hon.  Giles  Hamlin, 

Sept.   1,  1689167 

John  Pratt, 

Nathaniel  White,  U.  H. 

Aug.  27,  1711 

82 

William  Plumbe, 

Tlioinas  \Vard 

Elijah  Hubbard 

Hon.  John  Hamlin, 

Jan.   2,    1733 

74 

Alexander  Collins, 

Sept.  14,  1815 

41 

Israhiah  Wetmore, 

Richard  Alsop, 

Aug.  20,  —15 

55 

Giles  Hall, 

Feb.  11,  1750 

69 

Samuel  Eells, 

Joseph  Southmaid, 

June  8,  —72  75 

Eli  Coe,  M. 

Seth  Wetmore, 

April  12,  —78 

78 

Samuel  Wetmore,* 

George  Phillips, 

Feb.  78 

67 

Jozeb  Stocking,  U.  H. 

Joseph  Clark, 

April  21,—  78 

58 

Josiah  Sage,  U.  H. 

Hon.  Titus  Hosmer, 

April  4,  —80 

43 

Chauncey  Whittlesey, 

Thomas  Johnson,  U.  H. 

Dec.  26,  —74 

56 

Levi  H.  Clark,* 

Hon.  Jabes  Hamlin, 

April  25,  —91 

82 

Samuel  Gill, 

Matthew  Talcott, 

Aug.  29,  1802 

89 

Daniel  J.  Griswold,  W. 

Samuel  H.  Parsons, 

Nov.  17,  1789 

52 

Alexander  Wolcott, 

Dr.  John  Dickinson, 

Oct.   3,    1811 

82 

Elisha  Coe,  M. 

Naihartl  Chauncey,  U.H. 

Sept.  3,   1798 

77 

Seth  Paddock, 

Philip  Mortimer, 

Mar.  15,  1794 

84 

Arthur  W.  Magill, 

Elijah  Treadivay, 

Major  A.  Andrews, 

Isaac  Miller,  M. 

Jnly20,  1817 

80 

Gen.  Comfort  Sage, 

Mar.  14,  1799 

67 

CHATHAM. 

Hon.  A  sher  Miller, 

Joseph  White, 

Dec.  14,  1770 

82 

Benjamin  Williams, 

June  15,  1812 

45 

Nathaniel  Freeman, 

Sept.  6,  —91 

78 

Nathaniel  Gilbert,*  W. 

David  Sage, 

Nov.  25,  1803 

86 

Chauncey  Whittlesey, 

Mar.  14,—  12 

65 

Ebenestr  White, 

July  29,  —17 

90 

Hon.  Samuel  W.  Dana, 

Joseph  Dart,  M.  11. 

May  5,    1791 

53 

Hon.  S.  Titus  Hosraer, 

John  Clark,  E.  H. 

Aug.  8,   1809 

94 

Matthew  T.  Russel, 

Jonathan  Penjield, 

July  23,  1794 

69 

Elijah  Hubbard, 

May  30,  —08 

62 

Bryant  Parmelee,  E.  H. 

Jan.  6,    1817 

84 

Nehemiah  Hubbard, 

James  Bill,  E.  Fl. 

Ebenezer  Sage, 

Hezekiah  Goodrich, 

April—  1H17 

72 

Isaac  Gridley,  U.  H. 

ChaunceyBulkley,M.H. 

May  10,  —1C 

75 

Ames  Sage, 

Daniel  Shepherd, 

Amos  Churchel,'*  W. 

David  White, 

Lemuel  Storrs, 

NOT.  29.—  16 

63 

Gen.  Seth  Over  ton, 

Notes. 


125 


CHATHAM. 

Deaths. 

53 

tyj 

^ 

EAST-HADDAM. 

Deathi. 

i 
^ 

David  Clark,  E.  H. 

Samuel  Huntington, 

Mar.  20,  1797 

74 

Stephen  Griffith,  M.  H. 

John  Chapman,  M. 

John  Parmelee,  E.  H. 

John  Percival, 

Jan.  22,  1813 

80 

Nathaniel  Cornwall, 

saac  Spencer,  M. 

William  Dixon, 

Col.  Eliph.  Holmes,  H. 

Cyrus  Bill,*  M.  H. 

Thomas  Moseley,  M.  D. 

Aug.  13,  —11 

80 

Asahcl  H.  Strong,  M.H. 

Jan.  7,    1818 

41 

Hon.  Jon.  O.  Moseley, 

Joseph  Dart,  M.  H. 

Timothy  Gates,  jr. 

April  4,  —  14 

49 

Ralph  Smith,  M.  H. 

Ebenezer  Holmes,  H. 

George  White, 

Abner  Hall,* 

Amasa  Daniels,  Jr.M.H. 

Jared  Spencer,  M. 

Sparrow  Smith.  E.  H. 

Fohn  Brainerd, 

Col.  Josiah  Griffin,  M. 

HADDAM. 

Israel  Cone,  M. 

George  Gates, 

About  1725 

90 

William  Cone,  M. 

Daniel  Braincrd, 

April   1,  —15 

74 

Sylvester  Chapman, 

James  Wells, 

Dec.  21,  —44 

77 

saac  Chapman, 

Hon.  Hezekiah  Brainerd, 

May  «4,  —27 

46 

William  Palmer, 

Col.  Hezekiah  Brainerd, 

Dec.  14,  —74 

67 

Samuel  P.  Lord, 

Joseph  Wells, 

July    77 

70 

Diodate  Jones, 

Jabez  Brainerd, 

Aug.  20,  —78 

62 

[saac  Chester,  H. 

Joseph  Brooki, 

Dec.  14,  —97 

79 

William  Hungerford,  H. 

Neliemiah  Brainerd, 

Nov.    8,  1807 

66 

Hezekiah  Brainerd, 

July   6,  —  05 

62 

SAYBROOK. 

Cornelius  Higgins, 
Ezra  Brainerd   JM»  H. 

Oct.   14,  —03 

81 

[Ion.  George  Fenwick,* 

Col.  Daniel  Brainerd, 

Dec.  2,  —09 

58 

Hon.  John  Mason, 

—  1672  or  3 

72 

Edward  Selden,* 

Hon.  Robert  Chapman, 

Oct.  13,  1687 

70 

Smith  Clark 

Tune   9     —12 

47 

William  Pratt, 

Stephen  Tibbals, 

J  MUC      J,               1.4 

John  Chapman, 

moved  toE.H. 

Oliver  Wells, 

Daniel  Taylor, 

Levi  ^^ard  * 

iJttnicl  Buckiii°"hciiYi 

Jonathan  Huntington, 

Vathaniel  Lynde, 

Oct.  5,    1729 

70 

Reuben   R.    Chapman, 

Joseph  Blague, 

Sept.  28,  —42 

48 

M.  H. 

Hon.  Samuel  Lynde, 

Sept.  19,  —  54 

65 

Linus  Parmelee,  jr. 

Nathaniel  Clark,  P. 

Aug.  21,  —72 

77 

Timothy  Chapman, 

Maj.  Jedh.  Chapman,M..Feb.  10,  —64 

60 

Gen.  John  Brainerd, 

JohnTully,                       Oct.  29,  —76 

74 

John  Brainerd, 

Col.  Samuel  Willard, 

Dec.  24,  —  79 

86 

Joseph  Arnold, 

Ambrose  Whittlesey, 

April  17,  —56 

44 

Joseph  Scovil, 

Samuel  Field,* 

Maj.  John  Murdock,  W. 

Jan.  21,  —78 

68 

EAST-HADDAM. 

Hezekiah  Whittlesey, 

May  16,  —85 

77 

I  oh  n  C  HtiDTH3.n 

John  Shi$  f  nan 

Nov.  21    86 

CO 

Thomas  Gates, 

April  20,  1734 

70 

Justice  Bucke,  C. 

uo 

Samuel  Olmsted, 

July  27,  —47 

71 

Timothy  Starkey,  P. 

Nov.   1,  1817 

78 

Jaboz  Chapman, 

Sept.  2,  —59 

69 

Jedediah  Chapman,  W. 

Feb.  29,  —16 

89 

Stephen  Hosmer, 

Dec.  20,  —21 

40 

William  Lynde, 

June  2,   1787 

47 

Daniel  Cone, 

May  27,  —76 

83 

Samuel  Tully, 

Thomas  Adams, 

April  58 

38 

Col.     Wm.     Worthing- 

Hon.  Joseph  Spencer,M. 

Jan.  13,  —89 

75 

ton*  W. 

Daniel  Brainerd, 

Jan.   9,   —77 

54 

Gen.  William  Hart, 

Aug.  29,  1817 

— 

Gen.  Dyer  Tliroop, 

June  4,  —  89 

51 

Benjamin  Williams,   P. 

Dec.  7,  —00 

73 

Col.  Jabez  Chapman, 

Jonathan  Lay,  W. 

Samuel  Estabrook,  M. 

Oct.  26,  —76 

25 

Thomas  Silliman,  C. 

Israel  Spencer,  H. 

Nov.  1R,  1813 

81 

Henry  Hill,  W. 

Oct.    7,   1799 

46 

Timothy  Gates, 

Samuel  Hart, 

126 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 


SAYBROOK. 

Deaths. 

& 

* 

KILLINGWORTH. 

Deaths. 

5 

fee 
^ 

John  Bull,  P. 

George  Elliott, 

May  1,    1810 

74 

Samuel  Williams,  P. 

Job  Wright, 

Jonathan  Warner,  C. 

Abraham  Pierson,  N.  K. 

Maj.  John  Stannard,  W. 

Martin  Lord,  N.  K. 

John  Flatte,  P. 

William  Morgan, 

Clark  Nott,  P. 

Bezaliel  Bristol,  N.  K. 

Col.  Joseph  Hill,  P. 

Gen.  Joseph  Willcox, 

Jan.  18,  —17 

62 

Col.   George    W.   Jew- 

George  Elliott, 

it,*  P. 

Dan  Lane,  N.  K. 

Dr.  Richard  Ely,  C. 

April  27,  1816 

50 

Nathaniel  Hull,  N.  K. 

Col.  Elisha  bill. 

Joel  Griswold,  N.  K. 

Joseph  Platts,  P. 

Amaziah  Bray, 

Samuel  Colt,  C. 

William  Carter, 

William  Lynde, 

David  Kelsey,  N.  K. 

Augustus  Bushnel, 

Austin  Olcott, 

Rufus  Clark, 

Benjamin  Hurd, 

Joel  Pratt,  P. 

Jedediah  Harris,  N.  K. 

Stephen  Utter, 

James  P.  Redfield,  W. 

DURHAM. 

Benjamin  Holt,  C. 

Hon.  James  Wadsworth, 

Jan.  10,  1756 

78 

Henry  Crane, 

April  11,  —  41 

6-5 

KILLINGWORTH. 

Col.  Elihu  Chauncey, 

April  10,  —91 

81 

Edward  Griswold, 

James  Wadsworth, 

July  21        77 

Henry  Crane, 

Hon.  James  Wadsworth, 

Sept.  22,  1817 

87 

Samuel  Buel, 

About      1711 

Daniel  Hall, 

Dec.  17,  1790 

73 

Abraham  Pierson, 

Jan.  8,    —52 

71 

Simeon  Parsons, 

Maj.  David  Buel, 

Feb.  25,  —49 

72 

Dan  Parmelee, 

John  Lane, 

Oct.    2,   —59 

85 

Charles  Coe, 

Jonathan  Lane, 

Nov.  7,   —59 

75 

Guernsey  Bates, 

Benjamin  Gale, 

May  6,    —90 

75 

Worthington  G.  Chaun- 

Eluathan  Stevens, 

Dec.  21,  —76 

74 

cey, 

Isaac  Kelsey,  N.  K. 

Oct.  10,  —51 

52 

isaac  Newton, 

Joseph  Willcox,  N.  K.    |May  3,    —74 

79 

Job  Merwin, 

Col.  Aaron  Elliot, 

Dec.  27,  —85 

68 

Bridgman  Guernsey, 

John  Pierson,  JV.  K. 

Aug.  25,  —  94 

77 

James  Robinson, 

Theophilus  Morgan^ 

Feb.   7,  —78 

57 

Lemuel  Camp, 

Hezekiafi  Lane,  JV.  K.    |Nov.  6,   1809 

70 

Note  B.  referred  to,  page  4. 

Agreeably  to  an  enumeration  made  in  the  years  1756,  1774, 
and  1810,  there  were  in  the  towns  in  Middlesex  the  following 
number  of  inhabitants :  it  being  remembered  that  in  the  first  men- 
tioned year,  Chatham  was  included  in  Middletown  ;  viz. 

In  Middletown,    in  1756,  5,664,  in  1774,  4,878,  in  18 It),  5,382 

Chatham,  2,397  3,258 

Haddam,  1,241  1,726  2,205 

East-Haddam,  1,978  2,818  2,537 

Saybrook,  1,931  2,687  3,996 

Killingworth,  1,458  1,990  2,241 

Durham,  799  1,076  1,10) 


Total, 


13,071 


17,572 


20,723 


Notes.  127 

Note  C,  referred  to,  page  8. 

In  Dec.  1815,  the  towns  in  Middlesex  owned  the  vessels  fol- 
lowing ;  viz. 


Middletown,  -  -  - 

Chatham,      -  -  -  - 

Haddam,       -  -  -  - 

E.  Haddam,  -  -  - 

Saybrook,     -  -  -  - 

Killingworth,  -  -  - 

Total  of  the  County,  - 


% 

s  -s 

.*> 

2  ^ 

a 

•5   2 

s   "S 

*>    2 

K   ^ 

Total. 

=3 

p£   o 

C 

-0 

E-i   o 

~5 

Tons. 

876  1 

10 

1,932  86 

4 

395  67 

7 

332  76 

3,537  40 

324  66 

1 

204  45 

1 

162  45 

2 

125  5 

816  66 

318  62 

4 

738  48 

3 

288  65 

o 

394  15 

1,740 

228  22 

o 

303  29 

4 

231  49 

763  5 

283  30 

1 

204  73 

7 

793  82 

16 

846  30 

2,128  23 

4 

251  71 

4 

138  67 

390  43 

2,030  86 

18 

3,383  91 

19 

1,89245 

38 

2,068  52 

9,375  84 

The  amount  of  shipping  owned  in  Middletown  District,  in- 
cluding Middlesex  and  Hartford  counties,  at  that  time  was  22,580 
tons.  It  is  however  to  be  noticed  that  some  of  the  vessels  enter- 
ed at  the  custom-house,  were  built  for  market.  This  was  true  of  a 
considerable  number  which  were  owned  in  Middlesex ;  and  of 
course  the  quantity  of  shipping  actually  employed  in  commerce 
was  less  than  is  here  stated. 

The  articles  exported  from  Middletown  District  in  1815. 
amounted  to  $93,141  32.  The  duties  on  imports  for  the  same 
year,  amounted  to  $  43,394  14. 


Note  D,  referred  to,  page  13. 

The  parishes  in  the  county  have  the  following  number  of  grist 
mills,  saw-mills,  and  fulling-mills  ;  to  which  the  number  of  tan- 
neries is  added. 


Grist- 
mills. 

Saw- 
mills. 

Fulling- 
mills. 

Tanne- 
ries. 

Middletown  parish,  .... 

5 
2 
1 
1 
2 
6 
3 

5 

5 
1 
2 
1 
3 
10 
3 
s 

4 
0 

1 

0 
1 
1 
1 

9 

4 
3 
1 
0 
2 
3 
1 

MiHrllpfipld 

Westfield,       -                ... 
Chatham  parish, 
Middle-Haddam,      .... 

FTnflrlam  narish.  - 

128 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 


Note  D,  continued. 


Grist- 
mills. 

Saw- 
mills. 

Fulling- 
mills. 

Tanne- 
ries. 

E.  Haddam  parish,  .... 
Millington,     
Hadlyme,  in  E.  Haddam,  -     - 
Saybrook  parish,      .... 

3 
3 
1 
2 
4 
1 
3 
4 
5 
2 

10 
9 
4 
1 
7 
4 
3 
2 
5 
4 

1 
1 
1 
1 
3 
1 
1 
1 
1 
2 

7 
3 
3 
0 
3 
1 
1 
1 
9 
6 

Killingworth  parish,      ... 
North-Killingworth, 

Total,     - 

53 

82 

23 

55 

Note  E,  referred  £0,  page  17. 

Pleasure  carriages  were  introduced  into  the  several  towns  in 
the  county,  at  the  following  periods  ;  viz. 

Into  Middletown, 
Chatham, 
Haddam, 
E.  Haddam, 
Saybrook, 
Killingworth, 
Durham, 


about  1750,  which  owned  in  1814,  246 

in  1768  54 

1785  17 

1769  31 

about  1756  113 

1748  39 

1755  49 


Total, 


549 


JVbfe  F,  referred  /o,  page  17, 

Stating  the  number  of  vessels  launched  from  yards  in  different 
parts  of  the  county  in  the  year  1815. 


0, 

Tons. 

•,: 
So 

Tons. 

| 

Tons. 

o» 

Tons. 

Total 

73 

•g 

tt 

0 

en 

53 

tons. 

Middletown  city,    -     - 

1 

360 

1 

147 

1 

44 

551 

Upper-Houses,       -     - 
Chatham  parish,     -     - 

3 

990 

1 

240 

1 

163 

1 

57 

297 
1153 

Notes. 
Note,  F,  continued. 


129 


*c 

. 

K 

Tons. 

yn 

QJD 

Tons. 

1 

Tons. 

£< 

Tons. 

Total 

•£ 

'C 

o 

j> 

tons. 

50 

ca 

CO 

CO 

Middle-Haddara,    -     - 

2 

675 

2 

440 

1 

120 

1235 

Haddam,      .... 

4 

745 

1 

110 

855 

E.  Haddam,      ... 

2 

395 

3 

219 

614 

Say  brook  parish,   -     - 

1 

1% 

196 

Pautapoug,  .... 

2 

620 

1 

200 

3 

370 

4 

245 

1435 

Westbrook,  .     -     -     - 

2 

245 

4 

178 

423 

Chester,       .... 

1 

104 

1Q4 

Killingworth  parish,    - 

3 

360 

4 

280 

640 

Total,       - 

8 

2645 

11 

2216 

13 

1619 

17 

1023 

7503 

Note  G,  referred  to,  page   18. 

The  names  of  the  turnpike  roads,  partly  or  wholly  in  Mid- 
dlesex, their  length,  the  time  when  they  were  granted,  and 
capital  stock. 


Granted. 


Capital 
Stock. 


MIDDLESEX  TURNPIKE,  extending  from  Say- 
brook  through  Haddam  and  Middletown  to 
Goffe's  brook  in  Weathersfield,  32  miles, 

HEBRON  AND  MIDDLE-HADDAM  TURNPIKE, 
extending  from  Hebron  meeting-house 
through  Marlborough  to  Middle-Haddam 
Landing,  13  1.-2  miles, 

MIDDLETOWN  AND  BERLIN  TURNPIKE,  ex- 
tending from  Middletown  through  Berlin 
into  Farmington,  20  miles,  .... 

COLCHESTER  AND  CHATHAM  TURNPIKE,  ex- 
tending from  Colchester  through  Chatham 
to  Middletown  Ferry,  18  miles,  -  - 

CHATHAM  AND  MARLBOROUGH  TURNPIKE,  ex- 
tending from  Middletown  Ferry  by  Pistol 
Point  to  Marlborough,  101-2  miles, 

EAST-HADDAM  AND  COLCHESTER  TURNPIKE, 
extending  from  East-Haddam  Landing  to 
Colchester  meeting-house,  10  1-2  miles, 


May  1802 


do. 


May  1808 


Oct.  1808 


Oct.  1809 


do. 


$18,088 

8,232 

14,950 

9,086 

9,086 


130 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ,- 
Note  G,  continued. 


Granted. 


Capital 
Stock. 


MIDDLKTOWN  AND  MfiRiDEN  TURNPIKE,  ex- 
tending from  Middletown  to  Meriden  meet- 
ing-house, 7  miles, 

DURHAM  AND  EAST-GUILFORD  TURNPIKE,  ex- 
tending from  Durham  street  through  North- 
Bristol  to  East-Guilford  green,  14  miles, 

MIDDLETOWN,  DURHAM  AND  NEW-HAVEN 
TURNPIKE,  extending  from  Middletown 
through  Durham  and  parts  of  Branford  and 
North-Haven  to  New-Haven,  23  1-2  miles, 

KILLINGWORTH  AND  HADDAM  TURNPIKE,  ex- 
tending from  Killingworth  street  to  Higga 
num  in  Haddam,  151-2  miles,     -     - 

A  BRANCH  or  THE  ABOVE,  called  BEAVER- 
MEADOW  TURNPIKE,  running  to  Haddam 
street,  4  miles  and  101  rods,  -  -  -  - 

HADDAM  AND  DURHAM  TURNPIKE,  extending 
from  Higganum  in  Haddam  to  Durham 
street,  7  3-4  miles, 

CHESTER  AND  NORTH-KILLINGWORTH  TURN- 
PIKE, extending  from  the  bridge  over  Ches- 
ter-Cove to  North-Killingworth,  7  miles 
and  53  rods, 

Total, 


Oct.  1809 
May  1811 

do. 
Oct.  1813 
Oct.  1815 
Mayl815 

May  1816 


3,000 


143,632 


N.  B.  Chatham  and  Marlborough  Turnpike  was  at  first  laid  out  from  Pistol- 
Point  to  Marlborough.  The  addition  from  Middletown  Ferry  to  Pistol-Point  was 
granted  ia  May  1811.  Besides  the  above,  a  turnpike  from  Norwich  to  New-Ha- 
ven, through  East-Haddam  and  Haddam,  was  granted  in  Oct.  1317,  and  another 
from  Pautapoug  Point,  to  East-river  bridge,  iu  Guilfordl,  in  Oct.  1818 ;  which  are 
not  yet  wrought. 

The  mail  has  long  been  carried  on  the  road  from  Hartford  to 
New-Haven,  through  Middletown  and  Durham  in  this  county  ; 
and  for  a  considerable  time  on  the  road  from  New- Haven  to 
New-London  and  Providence,  through  Killingworth  and  Say- 
brook.  On  the  first  of  these  a  line  of  stages  was  established  in 
1785,  and  on  the  second  in  1794,  and  the  mail  has  been  general- 
ly carried  in  the  stage  since  those  periods.  About  the  year  1 800, 
a  post  road  was  established  from  Middletown,  through  Chatham, 
to  East-Haddam  Landing,  and  thence  to  New-London ;  and  in 
1802,  another,  from  Middletown.  through  Haddam,  to  Saybrool. 


Notes.  Ui 

but  in  1810  these  were  given  up  ;  and  a  rout  was  established  from 
Middletown  to  Middle-Haddam,  Haddam,  East-Haddam  Land- 
ing, and  thence  to  Saybrook.  The  post  road  from  Middletown, 
through  Chatham  and  Hebron,  to  Windham,  was  established  in 
1814  ;  that  from  Middletown,  through  Chatham,  to  Colchester,  in 
1817;  and  that  from  Middletown,  through  the  west  part  of  Had- 
dam, to  Killingworth,  the  same  year. 

There  are  eleven  post-offices  in  the  county  ;  viz. 

Middletown   Post-Office,  established  in  -         1775 

Upper-  Houses,  do.  -  1809 

Chatham  or  Knowles's  Landing,  do.  -  1804 

Westchester,  do.  -  1817 

Haddam,  do.  -  1802 

East-Haddam,  do.  -  1800 

Chester,  do.  -  1810 

Saybrook,  do.  -  *         1793 

Killingworth,  do.  -  1794 

N.  Killingworth,  do.  -  1817 

Durham,  do.  -  1800 

Note  H,  referred  to,  pnge  1  8. 
The  Ferries  in  Middlesex  are  as  follows  ;  viz. 

Saybrook  Ferry,  between  Saybrook  and  Lyuie,  granted  or  established  iu  1662 

Brockway's,  Pautapoug  and  N  .  Lyme,  1724 

Warner's,  Chester  and   Hadlyme,  1769 

Chapman's,  Haddam  and  East-Haddam,  1694 

East-Haddam,                                 do.                    do.  1811* 

Haddam,                                          do.    and  M.  Haddam,  1814 

Higganum,                                      do.                    do.  1763 

Knowles's  Landing-,  Middletown  and        do.  1806t 

Middletown,                                  do.       and  Chatham,  1726 

Upper-Hoases,                            do.                       do.  1759 

All  these  ferries  are  private  property  excepting  Higganum  Ferry,  which  belongs 
to  the  town  of  Haddam,  and  Middletown  Ferry,  which  belongs  to  the  town  of  Mid- 
dletown. 


,  referred  to,  page  19. 

Showing  when  the  houses  for  public  worship,  belonging  to  dif- 
ferent religious  denominations,  in  Middlesex,  were  erected,  and 
their  dimensions. 

The  two  first  houses  in  Middletown  were  built  near  the  north 
end  of  what  is  now  Main-street  in  the  city,  to  accommodate  people 

*  A  ferry  had  been  kept  occasionally  at  this  place  for  70  years  ;  but  being  aban- 
doned a  new  grant  was  made. 

t  A  ferry  was  granted  at  Knowles's  Landing  in  1735,  but  being  abandoned,  n 
grant  was  made  at  this  time. 

17 


132 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 


in  the  Upper- Houses.  The  former,  and  probably  the  latter  of 
these,  was  inclosed  with  palisades.  When  the  subject  of 
erecting  the  third  house  was  agitated,  it  is  said  that  different 
divisions  of  the  inhabitants  contended  for  its  location  at  the  east, 
north  and  west  corners  of  the  great  square,  lying  between  Main 
and  High-streets ;  that  it  was  agreed  to  have  the  point  decided 
by  lot ;  but  as  there  were  four  corners  to  the  square,  it  was  sug- 
gested it  would  be  well  to  draw  for  them  all.  This  was  done, 
and  the  south  corner  was  taken,  where  none  wished  the  house  to 
be  erected.  But  as  the  lot  was  considered  as  expressing  the  di- 
vine will,  the  people  went  forward  and  built  there.  The  width 
of  this  house  was  increased  18  feet  in  1740,  and  rendered  a  very 
uncouth  building.  The  first  meeting-house  in  Chatham  stood  on 
the  hill  south  of  the  Episcopal  church.  The  first  in  Haddam, 
stood  near  the  dwelling-house  of  Capt.  Samuel  Clark,  and  the  se- 
cond near  the  site  of  the  court-house.  The  first  in  East-Had- 
dam  was  built  in  the  middle  of  the  street,  near  the  dwelling- 
house  of  Mr.  Isaac  C.  Ackley,  and  the  second  50  or  60 
rods  south  of  the  present  meeting-house.  The  first  house  in 
Saybrook  was  built  on  the  Point.  The  sites  of  the  other  ancient 
houses  of  public  worship,  were  near  the  sites  of  the  present 
houses,  or  are  so  well  known  as  to  render  any  information  re- 
specting them  unnecessary.  AH  the  houses  in  the  county  have 
hitherto  been  built  of  wood,  except  that  owned  by  the  Methodists 
in  Middletown,  and  one  recently  erected  by  the  Second  Baptist 
Society  in  Pautapoug,  which  are  of  brick.  Where  these  have 
had  steeples  and  bells,  the  letter  B  is  annexed  to  the  name  ;  where 
steeples  only,  the  letter  S. 


HOUSES  IN  MIDDLETOWN. 

Time  of 
erection. 

Length 
in  feet. 

Breadth 
in  feet. 

Congregational    meeting-house,  - 

1652 

20 

20 

do.                          do.   B.  - 

1670 

32 

32 

do.                         do.  B.  - 

1715 

60 

40 

do.                         do.  B.  - 

1799 

68 

5J 

Episcopal                         do.   B.  - 

1752 

50 

36 

Strict-Congregational       do. 

1774 

56 

46 

Baptist                                do. 

1809 

53 

38 

Methodist                           do. 

1805 

42 

32 

UPPER-HOUSES. 

Congregational                 do. 

about  1703 

— 

— 

do.                          do. 

1736 

55 

36 

Baptist                             do. 

1803 

46 

36 

Notes. 


133 


Time  of 
erection. 

,-ength 
n  feet. 

Hreadth 
m  feet. 

MlDDLEFIELD. 

Congregational     meeting-house,  - 

1745 

40 

40 

WESTFIELD. 

Congregational                  do. 

1773 

48 

38 

Baptist                              do.. 

1812 

36 

26 

CHATHAM. 

Congregational                  do. 

1716 

40 

26 

do.                          do. 

1750 

56 

42 

Episcopal                          do. 

bout  1790 

50 

36 

MIDDLE-HADDAM. 

Congregational                  do. 

1744 

44 

36 

do.                           do.  S.   - 

1812 

50 

40 

Episcopal  (taken  down,)  do. 

1772 

26 

24 

do.     at  the  Landing,  do. 

(      About 
I  1786  or7 

47 

36 

Methodist                          do. 

1796  or  7 

24 

23 

EAST-HAMPTON. 

Congregational                 do. 

1765 

46 

37 

HADDAM. 

Congregational                 do. 

1673  or  4 

28 

24 

do.                         do. 

1721 

44 

36 

do.                          do. 

1770 

65 

45 

Baptist                              do. 

1793 

32 

25 

Methodist                          do. 

1795 

41 

29 

EAST-HADDAM. 

Congregational                 do. 

1705 

32 

32 

do.                          do. 

1728 

55 

40 

do.                         do.  B.   - 

1794 

64 

44 

Episcopal                         do.  S.    - 

1792 

54 

37 

MlLLINGTON. 

Congregational                 do* 

1743 

50 

40 

HADLYME. 

Congregational                 do. 

1743 

46 

35 

SAYBROOK. 

Congregational                 do. 

1646 

— 

— 

do.                         do.  B.  - 

1726 

50 

36 

PAUTAPOUG. 

Congregational                 do. 

1727 

40 

30 

do.                         do.  B.  - 

1792 

60 

40 

Episcopal                          do.  S.  - 

1790 

40 

30 

Baptist  1st  Society,          do. 

1775  or  6 

30 

25 

134 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 


Time  of 
erection. 

Length 
in  feet. 

Breaatk 

in  feet. 

PAUTAPOUO. 

Baptist,  2d  Society  meeting-house,  S. 

1816 

43 

34 

WESTBROOK. 

Congregational                 do.  B.  - 

1727 

41 

34 

Methodist                          do. 

1817 

40 

32 

CHESTER. 

Congregational                 do. 

1742 

42 

34 

do.                          do. 

1794 

42 

34 

KlLLINGWORTH. 

Congregational                 do. 

— 

do.                         do. 

about  1700 

— 

•  — 

do.                         do.  B.  - 

do.    1733 

60 

38 

NoRTH-KlLLING  WORTH. 

Congregational                 do. 

173S 

30 

22 

do.                         do. 

1739 

58 

38 

do.                         do.   B.  - 

1817 

58 

47 

Episcopal                         do. 

1803 

40 

32 

DURHAM. 

Congregational                 do. 

1711 

40 

40 

do.                         do.  B.  - 

1736 

64 

44 

Note  J,  referred  to,  page  1 9. 

In  1815,  there  were  3,688  families  in  the  county,  divided 
among  the  different  religious  denominations,  according  to  the 
following  table ;  supposing  all  the  families  to  belong  to  some 
denomination  or  other.  Some  societies  have  increased  and 
others  diminished  since  that  time;  but  this  will  serve  as  a 
general  view  of  the  numbers  adhering  to  different  denominations. 


0 

|l 

ri  .J 

SUP  2 

£'•3 

&a 

8J 

u 

Episcopa- 
lian. 

PQ 

I 

Strict-Con- 
gregational 

Universa- 
list. 

Middletown,  in  the  city, 
do.       out  of  the  city, 

Total  of  this  society,   - 

353 

269 

169 
112 

89 
11 

38 
64 

54 
51 

3 
31 

0 
0 

622 

281 

100 

102 

105 

34 

0 

Notes. 


135 


Upper-Houses,  -  -  - 
Middlefield,  -  -  -  - 
Westfield,  -  -  -  - 

Total  of  the  town,  -    - 

Chatham,       .... 
Middle-Haddam,      (Chat- 
ham Part,)      -     -     - 
East-Hampton,   -     -     - 
Part  of  Westchester,    - 

Total  of  the  town,  -     - 


Haddam,  

Haddam  Neck,  -     -     - 

Total  of  the  town,  -     - 

East-Haddam,     -     -     - 
Millington,     ...     - 
Hadlyme,    (East-Haddam 
part,) 

Total  of  the  town,    -     - 

Saybrook,  .... 
Pautapoug,  -  -  -  - 
Westbrook,  -  -  -  - 
Chester, 


Total  of  the  town,    - 

Killingworth,       -     - 
North-Killingvvorth, 

Total  of  the  town,  - 

Durham, 

Total  of  the  county, 


Number  of 
families. 

Congrega- 
tioualist. 

a 

&< 

8e 

•M 
-^ 

"S, 

ri 

S3 

Methodist. 

Strict-Con- 
gregational. 

IUniversa- 
list. 

137 

122 

2 

11 

2 

0 

92 

41 

1 

5 

6 

3 

36 

93    53 

0 

17 

4 

19 

0 

944!  497 

103 

135 

117 

56 

36 

219 

108 

93 

12 

6 

0 

0 

149 

74 

35 

2 

33 

5 

0 

147 

101 

7 

28 

11 

0 

0 

20 

19 

0 

1 

0 

•  o 

0 

535 

302 

185 

43 

50 

5 

0 

390 

273 

5 

38 

73 

1 

0 

57 

38 

O 

5 

8 

0 

0 

447 

311 

11 

43 

81 

1 

0 

184 

129 

44 

10 

1 

0 

0 

182 

122 

3 

50 

6 

1 

0 

55 

34 

8 

12 

1 

0 

0 

421 

285 

55 

72 

8 

1 

0 

155 

153 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

300 

187;   33 

76 

4 

0 

0 

162 

145 

1 

15 

1 

0 

0 

115 

77 

0 

38 

0 

0 

0 

732 

562 

34 

131 

5 

0 

0 

184 

91 

1 

56 

3 

0 

33 

233 

170 

36 

8 

19 

0 

0 

417 

261 

37 

64 

22 

Oi  33 

192 

112 

46 

1 

8 

25,   0 

3,688 

2,330 

421 

489 

291 

88!,  69 

1 36  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

Note  K,  referred  to,  page   19. 

The  following  table  will  show  at  one  view,  when  the  towns 
and  parishes  in  Middlesex  were  settled,  when  they  were  incor- 
porated, when  the  first  churches  in  them  were  formed,  and  the 
number  of  members  belonging  to  those  churches,  April  11,  1818. 


Set- 
tled. 

Incorporated. 

Churches  formed. 

No.  of 
mem- 
bers. 

3> 

13 

s 

Fc- 

malei. 

Middletown, 
Upper-Houses,  - 
Middlefield,  -     - 
Westfield,      -     - 
Chatham,      -     - 
Middle-Haddam, 
East-Hampton,  - 
Haddam,-     -     - 
East-Haddam,    - 
Millington,    - 
Hadlyme,      -     - 
Saybrook,     -     - 
Pautapoug,  - 
Westbrook,  -     - 
Chester,  -     -     - 
Killingworth, 
N.  Killingworth, 
Durham,  -     -     - 

Total  of  member? 

1650 
do. 
1700 
1720 
1690 
1710 
1743 
1662 
1670 
1704 
1670 
1635 
1690 
1664 
1692 
1663 
1716 
1698 

Nov.  1653 
May  1703 
Oct.   1744 
May  1766 
May  1714 
May  1740 
May  1748 
Oct.   1668 

1  7flf> 

Nov.  4,    1668 
Jan.  5,    1715 
About   1747 
Dec.  29,  1773 
Oct.  25,  1721 
Sept.  24,  1740 
Nov.  30,  1748 

1  CQC 

203 
125 
33 
35 
86 
86 
55 
165 
95 
89 
55 
196 
116 
171 
63 
103 
207 
178 

54 
31 
9 
11 
21 
30 
16 
49 
36 
18 
18 
70 
30 
60 
22 
27 
82 
63 

149 
94 
24 
24 
65 
56 
39 
116 
59 
71 
37 
126 
86 
111 
41 
76 
125 
115 

Jan.    6,    1704 
Dec.  2,    1736 
June  26,  1745 

1  fi'ifi 

Oct.    1733 
Oct.   1742 
.  i  ft/id 

May  1722 
May  1724 
Oct.   1740 
Oct.   1663 
May  1735 
May  1704 

About   1725 
June  25,  1726 
Sept.  15,1742 
About  1667 
Jan.  18,  1738 
Feb.   7,    1711 

2061 

647 

1414 

.,---- 

The  Episcopal  churches  in  the  county  had  the  following  num- 
ber of  members  Oct.  1818  ;  viz. 

The  Episcopal  church  in  Middletown,       -  -     103 

do.  do.  Chatham,    -  40 

do.  do.  M.  Haddam,  -     about  20 

do.  do.  E.  Haddam, 

do.  do.  Pautapoug, 

do.  do.  N.  Killingworth  &  N.  Bristol,       36* 

The  Baptist  churches  in  the  county  had  the  following  num- 
ber of  members  at  the  same  time  ;  viz. 

The  Baptist  church  in  Middletown,     -  -     123 

do.  Upper-Houses,    including    some 

professors  living  in  other  parishes. 

*  Twelve  of  these  live  in  N.  Bristol. 


64 


Notes. 


Total, 


137 
29 


The  Baptist  church  in  Westfield, 

do.  East- Hampton,    including    profes- 

sors in  Haddam,     -  -     126 

do.  East-Haddam,   -  -       48 

The  first  Baptist   church  in  Pautapoug,  including  some 

professors  in  Chester,  &c.      *-       88 
The  second        do.         including  some  professors  in  Kil- 

lingworth,     -  61 


-     539 


The  number  of  Methodist  professors  in  Middlesex,  I  am  una- 
ble to  give.     The  church  in  Middletown  has  more  than  I'OO. 


Note  L,  referred  to,  page  20. 

Names  of  those  who  have  been  settled  ministers  in  Middlesex, 
places  of  their  birth,  &c.  Where  the  dates  are  given  in  italics 
in  the  fourth  column,  it  denotes  that  the  ministers  referred  to 
were  installed,  and  the  italic  characters  in  the  sixth  column  de- 
note that  the  ministers  referred  to  were  dismissed.  Com- 
municants are  not  stated  after  April  11,  1818. 

CONGREGATIONAL    MINISTERS. 


JV^JVfES. 

Place  of  Birth. 

Place  of 
Educa- 
tion. 

Time  of  Set- 
tlement. 

Com.  admit- 
ted by  them. 

Deaths  or 
Dismission. 

1 

MIDDLETOWN. 

Nathaniel  Collins, 

Cambridge,  M. 

Har.1660 

NOT.  4,   1668 

76 

Dec.  28,  1684 

42 

Noadiah  Ilussel, 

New-Haven, 

do.  1681 

Oct.  24,  1688 

180 

Dec.  3,  1713 

54 

William  Russel, 

Middletown, 

Yal.  1709 

June  1,   1715 

305 

June  1,   1761 

70 

Enoch  Huntington, 

Windham, 

do.  1759 

Jan.   6,    1762 

346 

June  12,  1809 

69 

Dan  Huntington, 

Lebanon, 

do.  1794 

Sept.  20,  1809 

98 

Feb.    6,   1816 

C.  A.  Goodrich, 

New-Haven, 

do.  1810 

July  24,  1810 

32 

Dec.  23,  1817 

John  R.  Crane, 

Newark,  N.  J. 

Nas.  1805 

Nov.  4,  18181 

UPPER-HOUSES. 

Joseph  Smith, 

Concord,  M. 

Har.1695 

Jan.    5,   1715 

62 

Sept.   8,  1736 

62 

Edward  Eells, 

Scituate,  M. 

do.  1733 

Sept.  6,  1738 

138 

Oct.  12,  1776 

6-1 

Gershom  Bulkley, 

Weathersfield, 

Yal.  1770 

June  17,  1778 

85 

Junt.  17,  1708 

Joshua  L.  Williams, 

do. 

do.  1805 

June  14,  1809 

84 

MlDDLEFIELD. 

Ebenezer  Gould, 

Oct.  10,  1747 

About  1756 

Joseph  Denison, 

Windham, 

Yal.  1763 

Feb.  28,  1765 

13 

Feb.  12,  1770 

3! 

Abner  Benedict, 

N.Salem,N.  Y. 

do.  1769 

Nov.  20,  1771 

12 

1785 

WESTFIELD. 

Thomas  Miner, 

Woodbury, 

Yal.  1769 

Dec.  29,  1773 

S6 

CHATHAM. 

Daniel  Newil, 

Bristol, 

Yal.  1718 

CM.  25.  1721 

50 

Sept.  14.  1731 

3J 

138 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 


NAMES. 

Place  of  Birth. 

Place  of 
Educa- 
tion. 

Time  of  Set- 
tlement. 

Com.  admit- 
ted by  them. 

Deaths  or 
Dismission. 

i 
^ 

Moses  Baftlet, 
Cyprian  Strong,  D.D. 
Eber  L.  Clark, 
Hervy  Talcott, 

MlDDLE-H  ADD  AM  . 

Benjamin  Bowers, 
Benjamin  Boardman, 
David  Selden, 
EAST-  HAMPTON. 
John  Norton, 
Lemuel  Parsons, 
Joel  West, 
HADDAM. 
Jeremiah  Hobart, 
Phinehas  Fiske, 
Aaron  Cleveland, 
Joshua  Elderkin, 
Eleazer  May, 
David  D.  Field, 
John  Marsh,  Jr. 
EAST-HADDAM. 
Stephen  Hosmer, 
Joseph  Fowler, 
Elijah  Parsons, 
Isaac  Parsons, 

MlLUNGTOIT. 

Timothy  Symmes, 
Hobart  Estabrook, 
Diodate  Johnson, 
Eleazer  Sweetland, 
William  Lyman,D.D. 
HADLYMB. 
Grindall  Kawson, 
Joseph  Vaill, 
SAYBROOK. 
James  Fitch, 
Thomas  Buckingham, 
Axariah  Mather, 
William  Hart, 
Fred.    W.  Hotclikiss, 
PAUTAPOUG. 
Abraham  Nott, 
Stephen  Holmes, 
Benjamin  Dunning, 
Richard  Ely, 
Aaron  llovey, 
WESTBROOK. 
Wm.  Worthington, 
John  Devotion, 
Thomas  Rich, 
Sylvester  Selden, 
CHESTER 

.Tarprl  Harrison. 

Guilford, 
Farmington, 
Mansfield, 
Coventry, 

Billerica,  M. 
Middletown, 
Haddam, 

Berlin, 
Durham, 
Lebanon, 

Hingham,  E. 
Milford, 
Medford,  M. 
Windham, 
Weathersfield, 
Guilford, 
Weathersfield, 

Hartford, 
Lebanon, 
Northampton, 
Southampton, 

Scituate,  M. 
Canterbury, 
Lymej 
Hebron, 
Lebanon, 

Mendon,  M. 
Litchfield, 

Booking,  Eng. 

Yal.  1730 
do.  1763 
Gul.1811 
Yal.  1810 

Har.1733 
Yal,  1758 
do.  1782 

Yal.  1737 
do.  1773 
Dar.1789 

Har.1650 
Yal.  1704 
Har.1735 
Yal.  1748 
do.  1752 
do.  1802 
do.  1804 

Har.1699 
Yal.  1743 
do.  1768 
do.  1811 

Har.1733 
Yal.  1736 
do.  1764 
Dar.1774 
Yal.  1784 

Har.1728 
Dar.1778 

June   6,   1733 
Aug.  19,  1767 
Sept.  25,  1812 
Oct.  23,  1816 

Sept.  24,  1740 
Jan.  5,    1762 
Oct.  19,  1785 

Woe.  30,  1748 
Feb.  10,  1779 
Oct.  17,  1792 

JVbr.  14,  1700 
Sept.  15,  1714 
July         1739 

114 

193 
24 
22 

171 
162 
131 

Dec.  27,  1766 
Nov.  17,  1811 
Aug.  18,  1815 

May  11,  1761 
Sept.  —  1783 

Mar.  24,  1778 
Feb.  14,  1791 

Nov.  6,   1715 
Oct.  17,  1738 
Dis.         1746 
do.          1753 
April  14,  1803 
Aprilll,m8 

June  16,  1749 
June  10,  1771 

Dii.         1743 

Jan.  28,  1766 
Jan.  15,  1773 
Mar.  25,  1787 

Mar.  29,  1777 

Dis.         1660 
April  31,  1709 
Feb.  11,  1737 
July  11,  1784 

Jan.  24,  1766 
Sept.  13,  1773 
May         1785 

58 
67 

45 

62 
37 

84 
55 

70 

70 
48 

49 
28 
36 

69 

63 

52 
72 

61 

42 
44 
81 

60 

72 

58 
67 

June        1749 

June  30,  1756 
April  11,  1804 
Dec.  16,  1818 

May  3,   1704 
May  15,  1751 
Oct.  28,  1772 
Oct.  23,  1816 

Dec.  2,   1736 
Nov.  20,  1745 
July   2,    1767 
May  21,  1777 
Dec.  13,  1787 

Sept.  18,  1745 
Feb.  9,   1780 

•  ••     1646 

234 
138 

254 
132 
162 
25 

44 
20 
45 
146 

131 
119 

Feb.  5,   1670 
Nov.  22,  1710 
Nov.  17,  1736 
Sept.  24,  1783 

1725 

176 
307 

Windsor, 
Guilford, 
New-Haven, 

Weathersfield, 
Woodstock, 
Newtown, 
Lyme, 
Mansfield, 

Colchester, 
Suffield, 
Weston,  M. 
Chatham, 

nranfuivl 

Yal.  1705 
do.  1732 
do.  1778 

Yal.  1720 
do.  1752 
do.  1759 
do.  1754 
Dar.1798 

Yal.  1716 
do.  1754 
do.  1799 
Gul.1807 

Val     173fi 

J\"ov.  24,  1757 
In.           1776 
Jan.  18,  1786 
Sept.  5,   1804 

June  29,  1726 
Dec.  26,  1757 
June  13,  1804 
June  10,  1812 

»»>n<    ;<;.  17/19 

101 

75 

61 

193 
81 
33 

Aug.  23,  1814 

Nov.  16,  1756 
Sept.  6,  1802 
Sept.  4,  1810 

.    1751 

Notes. 


XAMES. 

Place  of  Birth. 

Place  of 
Educa- 
tion. 

Time,  of  Stt- 
tlemtnt. 

""*     1^ 

•§  'S 
8 
>, 

I? 

Death*  or 
Dismission. 

£ 

*: 

Simeon  Stoddard, 
Elijah  Mason, 
Robert  Silliman, 
Samuel  Mills, 
Neh.  B.  Beardsley, 
KILL1NGWOHTH. 
John  Woodbridge, 
Abraham  Pierson, 
Jared  Elliott, 
Eliphalet  Huntington, 
Achilles  Mansfield, 
Hart  Talcott, 

JNT.    KlLLIJi'GWORTH  . 

William  Seward, 
Henry  Ely, 
JosiahB.  Andrews, 
Asa  King, 
DURHAM. 
Nathaniel  Chauncey, 
Elizur  Goodrich,  D.D. 
David  Smith, 

Woodbury, 
Hartford, 
Fairfield, 
Canton, 
Stratford, 

Yal.  1755 
do.  1744 
do.  1737 
do.  1776 
do.  1805 

Har.1664 
do.  1668 
Yal.  1706 
do.  1759 
do.  1770 
Dar.1812 

Yal.  1734 
do.  1778 
do.  1797 

Yal.  1702 
do.  1752 
do.  1795 

Oct.  31,  1759 
May  21,  1767 
Jan.  29,  1772 
Oct.  25,  1786 
Jan.    3,  1816 

1667 
In.           1694 
Oct.  26,  1709 
Jan.  11,  1764 
Jan.    6,  1779 
June  11,  1817 

Jan.  18,  1738 
Sept.  25,  1782 
April  21,  1302 
Nov.  20,  1811 

Feb.   7,    1711 
Nov.  24,  1756 
Aug.  15,  1799 

Oct.  27,  1765 
1770 

30 

April  9,  1781 
Feb.  17,  1814 

Dis.    '     1679 
March  5,  1707 
April  22,  1763 
Feb.   8,   1777 
July  22,  1814 

Feb.  5,    1782 
Feb.  12,  1801 
,*p-tn6,  1811 

Feb.   1,    1756 
Nov.  21,  1797 

65 
62 

61 
77 
39 
63 

69 

75 
65 

96 
6 

~~61 
176 
6 

160 
92 
143 
30 

Branford, 
Guilford, 
Lebanon, 
New-Haven, 
Bolton, 

Durham, 
Wilbraham,M. 
Southington, 
Mansfield, 

Stratford, 
Weathersfield, 
Bozrah, 

188 

ffAMES. 

EPISCOPAL  ft 
Place  of  Birth. 

HNISTERS 

Place  of 
Education. 

'    .i.unenced 
Services. 

Ceased  Ser- 
vice!. 

MIDDLETOWN. 
Ichabod  Camp, 
Abraham  Jarvis,  D.  D. 
Calvin  White, 
Joseph  Warren, 
Clement  Merriam, 
John  Kewley,  M.  D. 
Birdsey  G.  Noble, 
CHATHAM. 
M.  Smith  Miles, 
EAST-HADDAM. 
Solomon  Blakesley, 

Durham, 
Nor  walk, 
Midclletown, 

Yal.     1743 
do.      1761 
do.       1786 

July  19,  1752 
1760 
Aug.  16,  1799 
Oct.  5,    1800 
Sept.  10,  1803 
Mar.  8,  1809 
Mar.  7,  1813 

1796 
1792 

June  19,  1760 
1799 
July  27,  1800 
Aug.  15,  1803 
April  7,  1806 
Feb.  19,  1813 

Liverpool,  Eng. 
New-Millbrd, 

Derby, 
North-Haven. 

Cam.  E.  — 
Yal.      1810 

Yal.      1791 
Yal.     1785 

MINISTERS  OF  THE  STRICT-CONGREGATIONAL  x. T'      'CH. 


NAMES. 


MIDDLETOWN. 
Ebenezer  Frothingham, 

Stephen  Parsons, 

David  Huntington, 
Benjamin  Graves. 
Ahab  Jinks, 


Place  of  Birth. 

Place  of 
Education. 

Time  of 
Settlement. 

Time  of 
Dismission. 

Cambridge,  M. 
Middletown, 

Lebanon, 
East-Haddam, 

U 

.     17^4 

177E 

Jan  31,   1778 

Nov.   8,  1797 
1803 
Aug.  7,  1816 

(      About 
(  June     1795 
Oct.   —  1800 
1811  or  1° 

Dar.     1773 

; 

140  Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 

BAPTIST  MINISTERS. 


WMES. 

Place  of  Birth. 

Place  of 
Education. 

Time  of 
Settlement. 

Time  of 
Dismission. 

M1DDLKTOWN. 

Joshua  Bradley, 
George  Phippin, 
Ti»rpmiaVi  F".  Rridfp?. 

Kingston,  M. 
Salem,  M. 
Colchester. 

Brown 

do.     — 

June  11,  1812 

July   —  1816 

There  have  been  some  other  Baptist  ministers  settled  in  the  County,  but  I  am 
TJnable  to  give  a  list  of  their  names.  The  Methodist  churches  have  been  general- 
ly supplied  by  circuit  preachers. 


Note  M,  referred  to,  page  20. 

The  names  of  those  who  have  been  deacons  in  the  several 
Congregational  churches  in  the  County,  the  time  of  their  election, 
deaths  and  ages. 

N.  B.  Those  marked  with  asterisks  are  known  to  have  been  ordained.  Others 
in  East-Haddam  and  Saybrook  churches  have  been  ordained,  but  1  am  unable  to 
designate  the  individuals.  The  persons  whose  names  are  printed  in  italics  in  the 
account  of  Middle-Haddam,  lived  within  the  bounds  of  the  town  of  Chatham,  and 
those  thus  printed  in  the  account  of  Hadlyme,  lived  in  the  town  of  Lyme. 


NAMES. 

Time  of  Election. 

Deaths. 

1 

rThomas  Allen,* 

Mar.  16,  1670 

______ 



Samuel  Stocking,* 

do. 



— 

John  Hall,  jr.* 

do. 

Jan.   22,  1694 

75 

T^^nipl   IVt  arkhcim.* 

About   1690 

JL/ctf.llCi     I'Jdl  iviitit*!^ 

William  Sumner,* 

Aug.  11,  1695 

About  1706 

_ 

Obadiah  Allen, 

May  31,  1704 

2 

§ 

Joseph  Rockwell,* 

do. 

Oct.  27,  1742 

74 

o 

Boriah  Wetmore, 

May    6,    1713 



— 

*i 

Solomon  Atkins, 

Jan.     Q,  1735 

Oct.    5,    1748 

70 

5 

John  Hubbard, 

May  26,  1743 

Mar.  12,  1753 

60 

* 

Jonathan  Allen, 

do. 

Dec.  23,  1783  80 

8 

'"*    i 

William  Rockwell, 

April  6,  1749 

July  28,  1765 

63 

0 

Hon.  Jabez  Hamlin, 

Feb.    7,   1754 

April  25,  1791 

82 

» 

Joseph  Clarke,  Esq. 

Aug.   16,  1765 

April  21,1778 

58 

« 

John  Earl  Hubbard, 

do. 

July  27,  1782 

59 

"2 

Chaun.  Whittlesey,  Esq. 

Sept.  17,1778 

Mar.  14,  1812 

65 

J! 

Jacob  Whitmore, 

Mar.    7,  1782 

•*•« 

Oliver  Wetmore, 

Mar.    4,   1784 

Dec.    1,  1798 

46 

Timothy  Boardman, 

April    1,   1784 

May    5,  1792 

64 

Matthew  T.  Russel,  Esq. 

May    3,   1798 

Thomas  Hubbard, 

1  fli  a 

Joseph  Boardman, 

May   16,  1812 

^Samuel  Eells,  2d. 

do. 

141 


NAMES. 

Time  of  Election. 

Deaths. 

I 

rWilliam  Savage, 

Feb.  10,  1716 

Samuel  Hall, 

do. 

re-elected   at 

Chatham. 

Samuel  Stow, 

_______ 

Sept.  28,  1741 

—  - 

John  Willcox, 



May    12,  1751 

68 

. 

Samuel  Gipson, 

Mar.  18,  1748 

76 

8 

Samuel  Shepherd, 

Dec.   3,    1745 

drowned  April 

!3 

o 

9,  1750 

— 

•  < 

Isaac  White, 

Jan.    15,  1749 

June  27,  1769 

71 

i. 

u 

^> 

William  Savage, 



1774 

74 

J: 

Thomas  Johnson,  Esq. 

Jan.   9,    1766 

Dec.  26,  1774 

56 

Joseph  Kirby, 

Nov.  29,  1770 

Sept.  12,  1783 

64 

Solomon  Sage, 

Jan.  26,  1775 

June    7,    1794 

74 

Timothy  Gipson, 

Jan.   14,  1784 

Jan.    8,     1814 

70 

Amos  Sage, 

Feb.  22,   1790 

Jeremiah  Hubbard, 

Dec.  14,  1807 

Aug.  23,  1808 

63 

L  Bani  Parmelee, 

Mar.  23,  1810 

^3   C  Ichabod  Miller, 



Aug.  22,  1788 

87 

^  1  Joseph  Coe, 

. 

June  10,  1784 

71 

3n  Giles  Miller, 

About  1774 

Mar.    1,    1804 

77 

•g   ^Prosper  Auger, 

Jan.   10,  1809 

.   ^Nathaniel  Boardman, 

About  1779 

April  9,    1807 

64 

\  Amos  Churchel, 

do. 

became    a  Baptist 

IM 

and  moved  away. 

^   ^Samuel  Galpin, 

About  1794 

K 

f  Samuel  Hall,* 

Nov.  9,    1721 

Mar.   6,    1740 

76 

John  Ganes, 

July   27,  1748 

72 

Joseph  White,  Esq. 

Jan.  22,   1724 

Dec.  14,  1770 

82 

§ 

David  Sage,  Esq. 

Dec.  15,  1748 

Nov.  25,  1803 

86 

e 

Ebenezer  White,  Esq. 

April  21,  1768 

July  29,  1817 

90 

a  "* 

Dr.  Moses  Bartlet, 

Oct.   27,  1791 

Mar.  3,    1810 

70 

2 

Hezekiah  Goodrich,  Esq. 

do. 

became  an  E- 

piscopalian. 

Jonathan  Brown, 

June  25,  1795 

^Daniel  Shepherd,  Esq. 

Mar.  15,  1810 

. 

r  Ebenezer  Smith, 

Nov.  18,  1740 

Feb.  11,  1752 

81 

S 

Gideon  Arnold, 

do. 

Mar.  —  1772 

1 

Benjamin  Harris, 

Mar.  14,  1748 

April  11,  1775 

75 

j£  j  Daniel  Arnold, 

Nov.  27,  1771  'May  27,  1774 

43 

i  }  Ezra  Brainerd,  Esq. 

do. 

S      David  Smith, 

June    1,    1774 

Nov.  25,  1795 

52 

j3      Dr.  Thomas  Brainerd, 

Dec.  10,  1795 

moved  away. 

'   I  Selden  Gates, 

July  27,   1810 

m 

142 


Statistical  Account,  of  Middlesex  County  ; 


NAMES. 

Time  of  Election. 

Deaths. 

- 

rEbenezer  Clarke, 

moved  away. 

Isaac  Smith, 

July  29,  1802 

85 

8 

John  Clarke,  Esq. 



Aug.    8,    1809 

94 

a. 

James  Bill,  Esq. 

July    5,    1795 

Gideon  Arnold, 

do.           JFeb.   17,  1807 

72 

1" 

Moses  Cook, 

May   16,  1805  May  15,  1818 

75 

"5 

Isaac  Smith, 

do.           (Oct.  28,   1815 

70 

E*3 

Joseph  Sage, 

Jan.  24,   1815  Feb.  20,  1818 

60 

David  Clarke,  Esq. 

July   —  1816 

^Warren  A.  Skinner, 

May    1,    1818J 

'Daniel  Brainerd,  Esq. 

. 

April   1,   1715 

74 

Thomas  Brooks, 

April  6,   1734 

79 

Joseph  Arnold, 

April   8,    1752186 

James  Brainerd, 



Feb.  10,  1742 

73 

. 

Thomas  Brooks,'* 

About  1742 

1781 

82 

S      Elisha  Cone,* 

do. 

Mar.   6,    1809 

99 

^  ^  Elijah  Brainerd, 

July  12,   1759 

May    9,    1764 

58 

42 

Col.  Hezekiah  Brainerd, 

Feb.  14,  1764 

Dec.  14,  1774 

67 

ffl 

Joseph  Smith, 

Nov.  27,  1771 

April  22,  1790 

79 

Nehemiah  Brainerd,  Esq. 

About    17  84 

Nov.    8,    1807 

66 

Eliakim  Brainerd, 

do. 

Jan.  18,   1815 

83 

Jonathan  Huntir^ton,* 

April  —  1806 

^David  Hubbard,* 

May    2,    1806 

Thomas  Gates, 

1  7O4 

April  20,  1734 

70 

Daniel  Cone, 

do. 

June  15,  1725 

60 

Daniel  Brainerd, 

1  "70  c 

Feb.  28,   1743 

77 

1  1  x*O 

Isaac  Spencer, 

June  26,  1734 

Feb.  10,  1751 

72 

Jeremiah  Gates, 

Oct.    —  1741 

Nov.    1,    1761  65 

* 

Noadiah  Brainerd, 

April  -  -   1743JSept.  30,  1746 

50 

i 

Daniel  Cone,  Esq. 

Dec.    3,   1746 

May  27,   1776 

83 

J§ 

James  Gates, 

Feb.    5,    1762 

moved  toRich- 

J§  *> 

mond,  Mass. 

-i 

Samuel  Huntington,  Esq. 

Oct.    —  1770 

Mar.  20,  1797 

74 

§ 

Thomas  Fuller, 

do. 

moved  to 

«3 

Hartland. 

John  Percival,  Esq. 

June  12,  1782 

Jan.  22,  1813 

80 

Caleb  Gates, 

Sept.  —  1795 

Ephraim  Gates, 

Sept.  —  1806 

moved  to  Ha- 

milton, N.  Y. 

John  Percival,  jr. 

Dec.  30,  1814 

'Samuel  Emmoris, 

Daniel  Gates, 



_.. 

Gen.  Joseph  Spencer, 

Nov.  20,  1767 

Jan.  13,  1789 

75. 

Note?. 


143 


NAMES. 

Time  of  Election. 

Deaths. 

to 
5>JO 

Samuel  Button, 

July   4,     1771 

Bee..  30,  1790 

87 

« 

Ebenezcr  Button. 

Feb.  26,  1778 

moved  to  Le- 

o 

banon. 

J?^ 

Benjamin  Fuller, 

do. 

Nov.  10,  1815 

93 

H! 

Nathaniel  Cone, 

May   —  1789 

April  15,  1790 

78 

*? 

Barzillai  Beckwith, 

June    4,    1790 

Feb.  22,  1818 

79 

Isaac  Spencer, 

April    1,  1796 

Biodate  Lord, 

Aug.  26,  1816 

moved    away. 

Israel  Cone,  jr. 

April  17,  181  a 

^Nathaniel  B.  Beckwith, 

do. 

"Samuel  Button, 



re-elected  at 

Millington. 

Samuel  Crosby, 



________ 

__ 

S 

Christopher  Holmes, 

Jan.  18,    1750 

April  12,  1792 

77 

5 

Col.  Samuel  Selden, 

Mar.  19,  1756 

Nov.  —  1776 

- 

^  < 

Israel  Spencer,  Esq. 

Mar.  29,  1780 

Nov.  18,  1813 

81 

fl 

Jabez  Comstock, 

April   3,   1792 

Oct.   10,   1807 

84 

Israel  S.  Spencer, 

Oct.    1,    1801 

Israel  Dezcey, 

June    3,   1803 

May  19,  1806 

52 

^Ithamar  Hervey, 

June  30,  1815 

"Francis  Bushnel, 

About   1648 

Bee.  4,    1681 

82 

William  Parker, 

Aug.  20,  1725 

81 

Nathaniel  Chapman. 

April   5,   1726 

74 

Joseph  Blague.  Esq. 

Sept.  28,  1742 

48 

Andrew  Lord, 

T"*)pf*                     1  *y  pr  Q 

61 

. 

Joseph  Bushnel, 

Bee.    9,    1742 

Bee.  24,  1778 

88 

0 

Hezekiah  Whittlesey. 

Sept.  —  1761 

May  16,    1785 

77 

•5  ^ 

Caleb  Chapman, 

Oct.  28,   1774 

June   4,    1785 

80 

Is 

Samuel  Kirtland, 

June  —  1782 

Sept.   4,  1805 

73 

72 

Christopher  Lord, 

do. 

moved  to  Bur- 

ham,  N.  Y. 

Travis  Ayres, 

May    2,    1788 

April   7,   1812 

89 

William  Chapman, 

June   2,    1803 

May  22,  1808 

49 

William  Lord, 

Oct.    9,     1808 

,  Samuel  Lynde, 

Bee.   2,    1810 

"Nathaniel  Pratt, 

Ebenezer  Pratt, 

Sept.    8,  1756 

68 

Samuel  Bushnel, 

Nov.    2,   1771 

71 

« 

Abner  Parker, 

Mar.  24,  1788 

90 

If 

Benjamin  Bushnel, 

MOT              17fifi 

77 

|- 

Josiah  Nott, 

Sept.  13,  1778 

Bee.  17,  1814 

82 

s 

P-eleg  Hill, 

Aug.  10,  1783 

moved  to  Cats- 

kill. 

144 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  / 


NAMES. 

Time  of  Election. 

Deaths. 

•* 

David  Post, 

May  12,   1792 

Dec.  17,  1803 

68 

Dr.  Richard  Ely, 

Mar.  11,  1804 

moved     to 

Chester. 

Phinehas  Pratt, 

Feb.  21,  1807 

Feb.   4,    1013 

66 

Clark  Nott,  Esq. 

April  19,  1807 

.Dan  Platts,  2d. 

Aug.  8,    1813 

^Abraham  Post, 

About   1726 

About  1750 

— 

Maj.  Jedediah  Chapman, 

About   1733 

Feb.  10,  1764 

60 

o 

Robert  Lay, 

Mar.    8,   1751 

Jan.    1,    1790 

83 

0 

Maj.  Jonathan  Murdock, 

Aug.  22,  1764 

Jan.  21,   1778 

67 

~o  < 

Jedediah  Chapman,  Esq. 

Nov.    8,    1771 

Feb.  29,  1816 

89 

£ 

Caleb  Chapman, 

June  22,  1780 

Oct.    1,    1797 

57 

Jonathan  Bushnel, 

Mar.   4,    1796 

^Jonathan  Lay,  Esq. 

Jan.   —  1797 

r(~  nonmd  n 

John  Ward, 

« 

Jonathan  Dunk, 



Mar.  28,  1781 

70 

j  )  Thomas  Silliman,  Esq. 

1781 

O      Andrew  Lewis, 

Feb.  22,  1811 

^  Henry  Farnum, 

^John  Griswold, 

Aug.    7,    1717 

1  T1  0 

67 

John  Lane,  Esq. 



Oct.     2,  1759 

85 

>« 

Josiah  Stevens, 

Mar.  15,  1754 

84 

o 

Benjamin  Carter, 

A  .,„                   1  7KQ 

55 

8 

Col.  Aaron  Elliott, 

About  1760 

Dec.  27,  1785 

68 

.SS^ 

Nathaniel  Stevens, 

do. 

Sept.  12,  1805 

95 

rs 

George  Elliott,  Esq. 



May    1.    1810 

74 

-< 

Philip  Stevens, 

July    5,    1795 

Oct.  12,   1814 

74 

Stephen  Willcox, 

June  28,  1810 

Samuel  Crane, 

July    6,    1815 

^  Josiah  Hull, 



May  18,  1759 

79 

•^ 

'Joseph  Willcox,  Esq. 



May    3,    1774 

79 

o 

Daniel  Buel, 

About  1759 

May    9,    1782 

84 

3 

Dodo  Pierson, 

April  21,1768 

Jan.   19,  1796 

72 

-B 

Abel  Willcox, 

About  1773 

Jan.   2,    1807 

74 

H^ 

Abraham  Pierson,  Esq. 

April  4,    1794 

i 

John  Hinkley, 

June  30,  1806 

^ 

Nathan  Hull,  Esq. 

Oct.  20,  1814 

^ 

^William  Seward, 



May  31,  1764 

80 

(Henry  Crane,  Esq. 

April  11,  1741 

64 

1  Israel  Burret, 

_______ 

June   19,  1750 

64 

17 
Joseph  Tibbals, 

1741 

Oct.    30.  1774 

88 

JVbfM. 


145 


NAMES. 

Time  of  Election. 

Deaths. 

John  Camp, 



Sept.  20,  1754 

Ezra  Baldwin, 



Mar.  26,  1782 

• 

James  Curtis, 

Dec.  25,  1766 

Jan.   13,  1790 

s 

<3 

Daniel  Hall,  Esq. 

May    2,    1782 

Dec.  17,  1790 

•is 

Dan  Parmelee,  Esq. 

June  —  1789 

3 

Q 

John  Johnson, 

do. 

^1 

Abner  Newton, 

Sept.   1,   1808 

Ozias  Norton, 

do. 

moved    to  N. 

Conn. 

Josiah  Jewit, 

July   2,    1812 

moved  to  State 

N.  Y. 

Timothy  Stone, 

Nov.   6,   1815 

kJohn  Tibbals, 

do. 

1819 

Note  JV,  referred  to,  page  21. 

Salaries  given  by  the  parishes  and  societies  in  Middlesex,  to  their  ministers. 
settlements  have  been  given  in  some  instances,  these  are  also  stated. 


Settlement. 

Annual  a 
Money. 

alary. 
Cords  of 
wood. 

Middletown  Congregational  society, 

$  1000 

Upper-Houses 

do. 

500 

Chatham, 

do. 

$   500 

500 

Middle-Haddam, 

do. 

666  67 

266  67 

East-Hampton, 

do. 

666  67 

266  67 

Haddam, 

do. 

700 

East-Haddam, 

do. 

600 

600 

Millington, 

do. 

666  67 

500 

25 

Hadlyme, 

do. 

666  67 

233  33 

12 

Say  brook, 

do. 

833  34 

266  67 

12   1  2 

Pautapoug, 

do. 

1000 

365 

Westbrook, 

do. 

450 

Chester, 

do. 

400 

Killingworth, 

do. 

600 

North-Killingworth, 

do. 

510 

20 

Durham, 

do. 

580 

The  Strict-Congregational  society  in  Middletown  give  their  minister  f  450  annu- 
ally and  the  use  of  a  parsonage  house  and  lot.  The  Episcopal  society  in  Middle- 
town  give  their  minister  ,.  700  salary,  and  the  Episcopal  society  in  Chatham  giv*-. 
theirs  $  400.  The  support  given  by  other  societies,  is  unknown. 

Note  O,  referred  to,  page  22. 
Funds  in  Middlesex,  devoted  to  the  support  of  the  Gospel. 

Middletown  parish  has, 

From  the  sale  of  parsonage  lands,          -  $    800 
Appropriation  money.  -       187  31 

987  31 


146  Statistical  Account  of  Middlestx  County  ; 

Upper- Houses  parish  has, 

29  acres  of  land,  estimated  at  -  $  812 

Appropriation  money,  83  51 

— -     895  51 

Middlefield  society  has, 

Appropriation  money,  74  30 

The  church  has, 

Money,  raised  by  subscription  in  1815,     1750 

1824  30 

Westfield  has, 

A  fund,  raised  by  subscription  in  1818,     2000 
Appropriation  money,  29  79 

2029  79 

Chatham  parish  has, 

From  the  sale  of  lands,  given  by  the  pro- 
prietors of  Middletown,  -  -     1700 

Legacy  from  Mr.  Ezra  Bevin,  who  died 
Feb.  5,  1792,  -     1000 

Money,  raised  by  subscription  in  1812,     3300 

Appropriation  money,  71  96 

G071  9(« 

Haddam  parish  has, 

Parsonage  lands,  estimated  at  -     2000 

Avails  of  parsonage  lands,  sold,  -     1117  22 

Legacy  from  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Brainerd, 
who  died  Dec.  1813,       -  -       500 

Appropriation  money,  -       141  23 

3758  45 

East-Haddam  parish  has, 

Legacy  from  Capt.  Samuel  Gates,  who 

died  Dec.  1788,      -  -       433  33 

do.    from  his  widow,  received  in  1802,    1000 
do.    from  Capt.  Sylvanus  Tinker,  who 

died  Oct.  12,  1815,  -       300 

Avails  of  parsonage  lands  and  subscrip- 
tions united,  -       800 
Parsonage  lot,  worth  -       150 

2683  33 

Millington  has, 

Avails  of  Parsonage  lands,  -       516  67 

Legacy   from  Mr.    Samuel  Gates,  who 

died  Aug.  21,  1801,  -       260 

A  farm  given  in  the  will  of  Mr.  Simeon 

Chapman,  who  died  March  31,  1813; 

but  to  be  used  by  his  children  during 

life, 4286 


JVo/e*.  147 

Legacy  from  Mr.  Thomas  Beebe,  who 

died  June  6,   1816,  -1440 

Appropriation  money,        -  94  90 

6597  57 

Hadlyme  has, 

Avails  of  parsonage  lands,          -        -       340 
Appropriation  money,         -  48 

383 

Sayfcrook  parish  has, 

Lands,  (including  some  belonging  to  the 

church,)  worth  -     2400 

Legacy  from  Gen.  Wm.  Hart,  who  died 
Aug.  29,  1817,       -  -     1600 

4000 

Pautapoug  has, 

Parsonage  lands,  worth       -  -       400 

Legac/ from  Mr.  Wm»  Clarke,  who  died 
Sept.  16,  1803,  one  third  of  which  is 
for  the  promotion  of  psalmody,        -       281  20 
Subscriptions,  drawing  interest  from  Jan. 

1,  1817,  -     6587 

Appropriation  money,  -       126  40 

The  church  has, 

Donation  from  Mr.  Jeremiah  Kelsey,          100 
Legacy  from  Mr.  Doty  Lord,  who  died 

April  25,  1814,       -  -        100 

Gift  from  a  friend,      -  10  30 

7604  90 

Westbrook  has, 

Lands    and  a  wharf,  (part  of  which  is 

leased,)  worth         -  -       650 

Appropriation  money,  84  61 


Chester  has, 

Legacy  from  Mr.  Pardon  Stevens,  who 

died  July  2,  1817,  -       300 

Appropriation  money,  63  40 

.. 363  40 

Killingworth  parish  has, 

Avails  of  lands  sold,  -  -       525 

Lands,  estimated  at  -  -     2475 

Appropriation  Money,  61   90 

— ~  3061  90 

North  Killingworth  has, 

Avails  of  parsonage  lands,  434  76 

Appropriation  money,  -       126  62 

1.9  561   38 


348 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County ; 


Durham  has, 

Lands,  estimated  at  -     3500 

Appropriation  money,      -  100 

The  church  has, 

Legacy  from  Mr.  David  Camp,  who  died 

Oct.  13,  1808,     -  -       250 

Money  otherwise  obtained,       -  50 


3900 


Total  of  the  funds,  belonging  to  Congrega- 

tionalists,  -  45,462  41 

The  Strict-Congregational  Society  in  Mid- 
dletown,  has  a  parsonage  house  and 
lands,  estimated  at  •  2700 

The  Episcopal  Society  in  Middletown  has, 

From  the  sale  of  a  parsonage  house  and 
lands,  given  in  1785,  by  Philip  Morti- 
mer, Esq.  and  Mrs.  Mary  Alsop,  -  1500 

Capt.  Stephen  Clay,  who  died  in  1809, 
gave  them  a  legacy,  which  is  to  go 
into  their  hands  upon  the  decease  of 
his  widow,  amounting  to  about  -  13000 


•14500 


3300 


The  Episcopal  Society  of  Chatham  has, 

Lands  given  by  Mr.  Joseph  Blague,  who 
deceased  in  1812,  estimated  at 

Total  of  Episcopal  Funds,  17800 

The  First  Baptist  Society  in  Pautapoug  has, 
Parsonage  house  and  lot  and  other  lands, 
estimated  at 

The  second  Baptist  church  in  Pautapoug  has, 
Legacy  from  Miss  Betsey  Heyden,  who 

died  in  Nov.  1813,  50 

Legacy  from  Mr.  Jared  Heyden,  who 

died    in    April    1814,   amounting    to 

about  $5,500;  but  1500  of  this  has 

been  used  according  to  his  direction 

in  building  a  meeting-house,  -     4000 


1400 


4050 


Total  of  Baptist  funds,     - 
Total  of  all  the  funds  now  stated, 


5450 


71,412  41 


149 


Note  P,  referred  to,  page  22. 
DISTRICT  SCHOOLS  IN  THE  COUNTY. 

Agreeably  to  an  inquiry  made  for  the  winter  of  1814 — 15,  with  the  exception 
of  Haddam  and  East-Haddam,  where  the  inquiry  was  made  generally  for  the  win- 
ter preceding,  there  belong  to  the  several  parishes  in  Middlesex  the  schools  follow- 
ing, having  the  annexed  number  of  scholars ;  viz. 


"South-School,  in  two  rooms, 

160 

/"Middle  District  School, 

. 

72 

Center    do. 

- 

50 

j    \  Clark's-hill 

- 

31 

North      do.    in  two  rooms, 

125 

S    \  North 

- 

36 

-a 

Newfield 

. 

40 

§•  \  East 

- 

25 

*^ 

Staddle-Hill 

. 

43 

i®  <   Southeast 

. 

40 

w 

Moromos 

_ 

63 

•7 

West 

. 

28 

ft, 

Hubbard's 

. 

50 

•• 



f  •< 

Miller's 

- 

80 

^ 

Total, 

- 

232 

S 

Johnson-Lane 

_ 

31 



1 

bouth-  Farm  hill     - 

. 

31 

i.    /"In  Waterhole  School, 

. 

9 

ti 
« 

Long-Hill,  east 

- 

25 

«*!               [Whole  school  23.] 

•«* 

do.       west 

. 

36 

"S  -^  X 





£  |    •  Total  of  Chatham, 

- 

904 

Total, 

. 

734 

^    V^ 



^ 



/"Town  School,                No 

.1 

94 

''Lower  School, 

. 

120 

Higganum  do. 

2 

83 

North     do. 

. 

51 

Punset 

3 

40 

Nook's 

- 

16 

Lower  part  of  town 

4 

75 

i!L 

Brick 

_ 

45 

Turkey-hill 

5 

38 

•  > 
>» 

Northwest 

. 

45 

Candlewood-hill 

6 

35 

<u 

a, 



a 

Southernmost 

7 

67 

1 

Total, 

- 

277 

^  )  Walkley-hill 
^   1  North-western 

8 
9 

19 

27 

f  North-School, 
S    !  East      do. 

33 

38 

"H 

Little-city 
Beaver-meadow 

10 
11 

30 

26 

•& 

South 

- 

45 

South-western 

12 

41 

•tp 

- 

— 

r| 

Total, 

. 

116 

Total, 

575 

3  1                                        — 



r  First  School, 

- 

44 

1^  ^'  C  Haddam  Neck,  - 

. 

71 

Second  do. 

_ 

36 

~o>  §      J 



si 

Third 

. 

34 

a    1  Total  of  Haddam, 

. 

647 

*<  j 

Fourth 

. 

30 



1 

"Middle  District  School, 

. 

62 

* 

144 

Landing               do. 

. 

78 

I 

___ 

South 

_ 

43 

Total  of  Middletown, 

. 

1271 

S 
a 

Southeast 

. 

45 



•§ 

Bashan 

. 

43 

/"First  District  School, 

90 

ijj  -^  Upper 

. 

48 

South-Neck     do. 

70 

•i    \  Northwest 

. 

44 

e    \  North 

50 

a       Factory      - 

_ 

34 

§ 

•*  , 

•  Penfield-hill 

. 

50 



1^ 

Over  the  meadow 

. 

60 

Total, 

. 

397 

6 

Ames'  District 

. 

40 

V. 



Brown      do. 

. 

20 

^Middle  District  School, 

. 

69 



i  North-western    do. 

. 

32 

>>                          Total, 

- 

380 

^      Western    - 

_ 

51 

„ 

r 



2    1  South-western 

_ 

40 

i  t 

\  North-west  School* 

. 

121 

^  j  South 

_ 

50 

"<s  ' 

Middle          do. 

. 

80 

S"^  East 

. 

45 

?  J  East 

. 

25 

^    \  Northeast 
* 

. 

32 

t    i 

[)  Chesnut-hill 

. 

30 

. 

^w1^    \  Northeast                        -         27 

Total, 

. 

319 

H£                                                     — 

I 

____ 

^ 

V.                      T«tal, 

- 

283 

150 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 


^  ~  "S  w    /"Center  school, 

31 

/•First  District  School, 

nz 

"!  _§  a  S    J  Northeast  do. 

16 

^    j  Second  do. 

87 

^  "2  aJ-3  J  Southeast 

7 

-S    •  Third,  included  in  first, 

•""  •§  *  K  "S  West 

15 

•«> 



ij-vr'i'^  ] 

— 

O    1                           Total, 

259 

Total, 

69 

I 

—  . 

a  ••  1  1  V. 

™<(      &, 

— 

Total  of  Saybrook,      - 

1356 

Total  of  East-Haddam, 

785 





/•West  District  School, 

110 

/-First  Dist.  School,  in  two  rooms,  1  12 
•g    1  Second        do.       -                       60 

j       East             do. 
|       Cow-hill 

80 
40 

}•  Ferry 

50 

1    \  Mill 

14 

Total, 

0^ 

JK  North 
Total, 

30 

214 

r  Meeting-house  School,  No.  1 
Deep-river         do,.               2 

12 
95 

I 

^Center  District  School, 

70 

Comstock                             3 

43 

Southwest        do. 

29 

«i      West                                    4 

45 

^S       Chesnut-hiU 

40 

o       Southeast                             5 
§"  ^.Meadow-woods                    6 
*    '  Point                                      7 

70 
66 
82 

1       Union 
he      Lane 
Jj  j  Parker's  hill 

54 

75 
28 

&,       Pound-hill                             8 

80 

S    j  Nettleton 

36 



Stone-house 

36 

Total, 

553 

^       BlackrRock 

20 

'"First  District  School, 

145 

Total, 

388 

Second              do. 

40 

w 



-§       Third 

45 

Total  of  Killingworth, 

662 

J   i  Fourth 

47 



t;  >  Fifth 

45 

''North  School, 

102 

^ 

Quarry  do. 

65 

Total, 

322 

^       Southwest 

85 

I 

-  — 

a    \  South 

56 

1"%  Middle       - 

50 

a 

q 

• 

Total  of  Durham,      - 

358 

Total  of  the  County, 

5,983 

Note  Q,  referred  /o,  page  27. 
Deaths  in  the  county  from  Jan.  1,  1805,  to  Jan.  I,  181  b. 


Middlctown,  about  -  -  441 

Upper-Houses,       -  -  123 

Middlefield,    -  -  76 

Wcstfield,  about  -  66 

Chatham,  -  130 

Middle-Haddam,     -  -  152 

East-Hampton,  -  94 

Part  of  Westchester,  -  14 

Haddam,  -  285 

East-Haddam,  -  93 

IHillington,     -        -  -  133 


Hadlyme,  E.  H.  part,      -  34 

Saybrook,       -  -  137 

Pautapoug,     -  -  225 

Westbrook,    -  -  110 

Chester,  -  94 

Killingworth,  -  123 

N.  Killingworth,  -         -  130 

Durham,         -  -        -  156 


Total,        2,616 


Notes. 


151 


To  Uiis  I  have  thought  proper  to  subjoin  a  list  of  the  grave-yards  in  the  county 
noting;  the  time  when  they  were  first  laid  out  or  improved.     These  are  as  follows 


The  old  yard  in  Middletown, 

Farm-Hill  yard,  Dec.  16, 

West  yard, 

Old  Moromos  yard,  abandoned, 
about 

New  Moromos  yard,  1776 

Tomb-lane  yard, 

The  old  yard  in  U.  Houses,  Jan.  13, 

West  yard,  do. 

The  yard  in  Middlefield, 

The  old  yard  in  Westfield, 

New        do. 

The  old  yard  in  Chatham,  Jan.  13, 

New        do. 

The  yard  in  Middle-Haddam,  by 
the  first  meeting-house, 

do.        at  Knowles's  Landing, 
do.        at  the  Rock  Landing-, 

First  yard  in  East-Hampton, 

North  do. 

Southeast 

Waterhole 

Town  yard  in  Haddam,  (not  for- 
mally laid  out  till   Jan.  1699,) 

Higganum  yard, 

Punset 

Yard  in  the  lower  part  of  the  town, 
do.  at  Turkey-Hill, 

Cove  yard  in  East- Haddam,  (aban- 
doned,) about 


1650 

Yard  in  the  upper  part  of  the  tovm,  1748 

1723 

Bashan  yard,  about                           1760 

1740 

Landing  do.                                           1773 

i  own  Hill                                             1774 

1708 

Meeting-house                                      1778 

or  7 

Yard  by  Mr.  Oliver  Warner1?,          1793 

1778 

do.  by  the  Long  Pond  in  Milliugtou,  1726 

1713 

do.  by  Mr.  Green  Hungerford'g,      1760 

1802 

do.  by  the  meeting-house,                  1764 

1737 

Eight-mile  river  yard,                         1769 

1772 

Yard  by  Mr.  ->imeon  Chapman's,      1802 

1794 

Old  yard  in  Hadlyme,                          1723 

1713 

Meeting-house  yard,                            1750 

1767 

Old  yard  in  Saybrook,  about               1635 

New  do.                                                178G 

1742 

Yard  at  Pautapoug  Point,                   1715 

1794 

West  yard,  about                                1750 

1734 

Westbrook  yard,                                  1738 

1743 

Yard  at  Parker's  Point  in  Chester, 

1787 

(abandoned,)                                1717 

1776 

do.  at  the  meeting-house,                 1750 

1793 

West  yard,                                            1813 

Killingworth  yard,                               1663 

1662 

Union  district  yard  in  N.  Killing- 

1741 

worth,                             March  22,  1738 

1761 

Southwest  district,  do           Oct.  7,  1743 

1782 

Yard   by    the    Episcopal    church, 

1815J  Nov.  7,  1748 

I  Stone-house  district  yard,   May  5,   1806 

1700J  Durham  yard,  1700 


Some  persons  were  buried  on  a  knoll  east  of  the  dwelling-house  of  Mr.  Joseph 
Clarke,  before  any  grave  yard  was  laid  out  in  the  lower  part  of  Haddam.  In  1648, 
the  wife  of  Col.  Fenwick  was  buried  at  Tomb  Hill  on  Saybrook  Point,  where  a 
large  stone  table,  one  of  the  oldest  in  New-England,  still  marks  the  place  of  her 


Note  R,  referred  to,  page  31. 
LIBRARIES. 

In  the  societies  in  Middlesex,  there  were  in   the  summer  of 
1815,  the  following  public  libraries,  viz. 


Middletown  1st  Society,       Middletown  Library, 

do.  M.  Circulating  Library, 

Upper-Houses,       Library  of  M.  Upper-Houses, 

do.  Friendly  Association  Library, 

Middlefield,  Federal  Library, 

Westfield     Social  Library,  (part  of  an  old  one,) 

Chatham  1st  Society,  Chatham  Library, 

do.  Republican  Library, 

Middle-Haddam,  Increasing  Library, 

do.  General  Library, 


Formed    No.  Vols. 

1797  617 

1809  600 

1792  196 

1810  136 
1790  90 
1809  70 
1787  322 
1795  200 

1793  238 
1795  238 


152 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County  ; 


East-Hampton,  Social  Library, 

Haddam,  Literary  Society  Library, 

East-Haddam  1st  Society,  East  Haddam  Library, 
Hadlyme,  Hadlyme  Library, 

Say  brook  1st  Society,  Say  brook  Library, 

do.  Ladies'  Library, 

Pautapoug,    Library  of  2d  Society  of  Saybrook, 
do.  Union  Library, 

Chester,  Fraternal  Library, 

Killingworth  1st  Society,  Killingworth  1st 

Society  Library, 

Durham,     Book  Company  Library,  two  united,  < 
do.  Durham  Library, 


1799 

140 

1804 

80 

1794 

266 

1790 

118 

1792 

150 

1792 

77 

1795 

30* 

1813 

28 

1789 

101 

1790 
1733 
1789 
1788 


208 
150 
210 
206 


Total  of  books  belonging  to  the  above  libraries,          4,471 

A  library  was  formed  in  Haddam  in  1791  and  dissolved  in 
1808.  A  library  has  been  dissolved  in  Millington,  another  in 
Westbrook,  and  three  in  North-Killingworth.  Saybrook  library 
is  a  part  of  a  library,  formed  in  1736,  in  the  towns  of  Saybrook, 
Lyme,  Killingworth  and  Guilford. 

The  following  Notes,  though  not  distinctly  referred  to  in  the  body 
of  this  work,  are  subjoined. 

Note  S. 

Lists  of  the  several  parishes  in  Middlesex,  the  dwelling-houses 
and  merchant-stores. 


Lists  for  1814. 
Dols.     Cls. 

D.  Houses. 

M.  Stores. 

Middletown  parish,  in  the  city, 

39,785 

299 

37 

without  the  city, 

32,027  81 

247 

1 

Upper-Houses, 

18,356  94 

121 

5 

Middlefield, 

14,477  87 

81 

Westfield, 

14,420  48 

89 

1 

Chatham, 

24,260  54 

203 

2 

Middle-Haddam,  Chatham  Part, 

14,669  72 

135 

4 

E.  Hampton,  (with  Waterhole,) 

18,380  74 

147 

2 

Haddam, 

32,320   19 

340 

7 

Haddam-Neck, 

6,722  66 

44 

East-Haddam, 

27,599  26 

167 

8 

Millington, 

27,762  33 

172 

1 

Hadlyme,  in  E.  Haddam, 

7,310  78 

53 

Saybrook, 

19,910  44 

135 

4 

Pautapoug, 

25,186  72 

275 

7 

*  Were  formerly  100  relumes. 

Notes. 


15S 


Lists  for  1814. 
Dols.      Ctt. 

D.  Houses. 

M.  Stores. 

Westbrook, 
Chester, 
Killingworth, 
North-Killingworth, 
Durham, 

Total  of  the  County, 

18,977   61 
12,504  23 
26,300  69 
31,645  65 
29,531 

141 
105 
152 
212 
158 

3    - 
2 
6 
3 
3 

442,150  66 

3,276 

96 

Note   T. 
MILITARY  COMPANIES,  &c. 

The  circumstances  of  our  ancestors  compelled  them  to  learn  the  use  of  arms. 
Military  companies  were  formed  in  all  the  plantations.  Where  these  contained 
60  soldiers,  they  were  allowed  to  have  a  captain,  lieutenant,  ensign  and  4  Serjeants  ; 
where  they  contained  32  soldiers,  a  lieutenant,  ensign  and  2  sergeants ;  and  where 
they  contained  24,  two  sergeants.  The  oldest  companies  in  the  towns  in  Middle- 
sex were  formed  about  the  time  that  the  settlements  in  them  commenced ;  and  the 
companies  in  the  parishes,  about  the  time  of  their  incorporation.  At  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Connecticut  militia  in  Oct.  1739,  the  companies  within  the  bounds  of 
Middlesex,  constituted  parts  of  the  sixth,  seventh,  tenth  and  twelfth  regiments. 

The  companies  in  Weatiiersneld,  Middletown,  (inclusive  of  Chatham,)  Glasten- 
bury,  and  the  parish  of  Kensington,  were  the  sixth.  This  regiment  was  com- 
manded by  Thomas  W  ells  of  Glastenbury,  John  Chester  of  Weathersfield,  Jabez 
Hamlin  and  Matthew  Talcott  of  Middletown,  and  perhaps  by  some  others,  pre- 
vious to  May  1775.  At  that  time,  the  companies  in  Middletown  and  Chatham 
were  formed  into  the  23d  regiment,  and  thus  remained  until  the  organization  in  1816. 

The  companies  in  Saybrook,  Killingworth,  Guilford  and  liaddam,  constituted  the 
seventh  regiment.  From  this,  Guilford  was  detached  in  May  1782,  and  with  Bran- 
ford  formed  into  the  27th,  or  as  it  was  called  at  the  time  of  its  formation,  the  28th 
r  egiment. 

The  companies  in  Wallingford,  Waterbury,  Durham  and  the  parish  of  Southing- 
ton  constituted  the  10th  regiment.  This  was  first  commanded  by  James  Wads- 
worth  of  Durham,  and  has  been  since  commanded  by  Elihu  Chauncey,  Gen.  James 
Wadsworth,  James  Arnold,  Samuel  Camp,  John  Noyes  Wadsworth  and  Seth  Se- 
ward  of  the  same  town. 

The  companies  in  Lebanon,  Hebron  and  East-Haddam,  constituted  the  12th  re- 
giment. This  was  commanded  by  John  Bulkley  of  Colchester,  Jonathan  Trumbull 
and  Joseph  Fowler  of  Lebanon  and  Gen.  Joseph  Spencer  of  East-Haddam,  perhaps 
by  others,  before  May  1776  ;  when  East-Haddam  and  Colchester  were  formed  into 
the  24th,  or  as  it  was  then  called,  the  25th  regiment.  The  23d,  the  7th  and  the  24th 
regiments  have  been  under  the  command  of  the  following  persons ;  viz. 


XXIII.  Reg't. 

Gen.  Comfort  Sage,  of  Middletown, 
John  Penfield,  of  Chatham, 
Nathaniel  Brown,  of  Middletown, 
Gen.  George  Phillips,         do. 
Joseph  Blague,  of  Chatham, 
Gen.  Samuel  W.  Dana,  of  Middletown, 
Lemuel  Storr?,  do.    ' 

Gen.  Seth  Overton,  of  Chatham, 
Elisha  Coe,  of  Middletown, 
Enoch  Huntington,  do. 
Daniel  White,  of  Chatham. 


VII.   Reg't. 
Samuel  Lynde,  of  Saybrook, 
:amuel  Hill,  of  Guilford, 
Samuel  Willard,*of  Saybrook, 
Timothy  Stone,  of  Guilford, 
Andrew  Ward,      do. 
Aaron  Elliott,  of  Killiugworth, 
Hezekiah  Brainerd,  of  Haddam, 
Gen.  Andrew  Ward,  of  Guilford, 
William  WortVvington,  of  Saybrook. 
Sylvanus  Grave-Cot'  \illingworth, 
Abraham  Tyler,  of  ijaddarn, 


\ 


154 


Statistical  Account  of  Middlesex  County; 


Edward  Shipman,  of  Saybrook, 

Gen.  Joseph  Wjllcox,  of  Killingworth, 

Asa  Lay,  (.t'Sayurook, 

Daniel  Brainerd,  of  Haddam, 

William  Tally,  of daybrook, 

Geor-e  Morgan,  of  Killingworth, 

Joseph  Hill,  of  baybropk, 

Elisha  Sill,        do. 

Gen.  John  Brainerd,  of  Haddam. 

XXIV.   Reg't. 

Henry  Champion,  of  Colchester, 
Gen  Dyer  Throop,  of  East-Haddam, 
Jabez  Chapman, 


Elias  Worthington,  of  Colchestei1.    ^ 
Lliphalet  Bulkley,  do. 

Darid  B.  Spencer,  of  East-Haddaoi, 
Gen.  Henry  Champion,  of  Colchester', 
Gen.  Epaph.  Champion,  of  E.  Haddam, 
Daniel  Waterhouse,  of  Colchester, 
Jonathan  O.  Mosely,  of  East- Haddam, 
Daniel  Worthington,  of  Colchester, 
Josiah  Griffin,  of  East-Haddam, 
John  Isham,  of  Colchester, 
Jonah  Gates,  of  East-Haddam, 
Joshua  Bulkley,  of  Colchester. 


do. 

The  above  mentioned  regiments,  had,  from  this  county,  in  the  autumn  of  1815,  at 
the  last  review  before  the  late  organization,  the  following  number  of  companies- 
commissioned  officers,  kc.  viz. 


Com. 

Aon.  Com. 

Pri- 

Com. 

Officers. 

Officers. 

Musicians. 

vates. 

Total. 

The  23d  Reg't. 

11 

33 

84 

39 

488 

644 

7th    Reg't. 

11 

34 

87 

29 

435 

585 

10th  Reg't. 

2 

6 

14 

3 

66 

89 

24th  Reg't. 

4 

12 

26 

5 

102 

145 

Total, 

28 

.85 

211 

76 

1091 

1463 

To  t  he=e  must  be  added  a  company  in  Hadlyme,  (E.  Haddam  part,)  some  years 
since  annexed  to  the  33d  regiment,  a  company  of  State  Corps  in  Haddam  and  Kil- 
lhii--worth  and  a  part  of  a  State  Corps  in  Durham,  having  in  1815  the  officers,  &c; 
following,  viz. 


Aon. 

Miist- 

Com.  Of 

Com.  Of. 

cians. 

Priratci. 

Total. 

Hadlyme  Company, 
Com.  in  Had.  and  Kil. 

3 

4 

6 
8 

1 
3 

20 
40 

30 

5-c 

Company  in  Durham, 
Total, 

1 

2 

3 

15 

'21 

106 

8 

16 

7 

^j 

Besides  these,  there  are  4  or  5  Companies  of  Cavalry,  '  xftly  or  wholly  within 
the  county. 

ERRATA. 

Page  8,  3  1.  from  bottom,  for  31,956  read  ^,580;  p.  13,  111.  from  top,  before 
may  be  insert  the  words  young  trees ;  p.  50  26  1  for  1773  to  1777  or  8  read  1758 
to  1767  ;  p.  ;iO,  36  1.  for  1783  read  1773,  and  next  1.  for  two  read  ten;  p.  52,  22  1. 
for  16th  of  August  1816  read  Aug.  20,  f  81 5  ;  p.  62,  11  1.  for  care  read  curt;  p.  67, 
15  1.  for  granite  quarries  rc:u!  yuan-i  J  f>f  Gneiss  stone ;  p.  83,  39 1.  for  six  read  eight ; 
p.  84,  111.  for  btrome  read  ber.aw .  ;  p.  84,  20  1.  for  Buddx  read  Rudds ;  p.  89,  41 1. 
for  Bork  Hill  read  Book  Hill.  p.  94,  30  1.  for  Middlrtown  i cad  Middlesex ;  p.  98, 
191.  for  Norfolk  read  AV>*  il; ;  p.  101,36  1.  for  horses  road  Ifmna ;  p.  114,211. 
(or  David  read  Caleb;  ...'130,  10  1.  for  do.  read  Oct.  i:ti:5;  p.  (  V\V' 

brook,  for  JWK  ?."•  r'.;  : 


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